If you were to dream up the ultimate beach vacation, you’d want a place that’s warm, welcoming, and unbelievably scenic in every direction. You’d want a place where you could relax on a soft sandy beach, and just as easily go for a mountain hike to work up an appetite for epic local food and tropical fruit-filled drinks. In other words, you’d dream of Maui.Today, Angie Orth welcomes Leanne Pletcher, director of Public Relations & Marketing at the Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau. For the people of Maui, hospitality has long been an important part of their economy. After the 2023 fires in Lahaina, we thought this might be the perfect time to check in, and remind anyone who’s thinking of a Maui vacation that many parts of the island are open for business and welcoming visitors with open arms. You’ll learn the geography of the island to better understand which areas are still recovering, and the many regions that have remained open to visitors. Leanne shares the importance of tourism and how choosing Maui for your beach vacation can make a difference to the island community. You’ll also hear unique ways to experience Hawaiian culture and how you can participate in eco-driven voluntourism during your visit. What You’ll Learn:What it means to travel with Malama (2:58)The local food movement in Maui (6:29)Understanding the concept of Aloha (7:22)How to experience authentic local culture in Maui (8:30)Voluntourism opportunities and lesser-known places to visit (13:26)Everything you need to know about local whale watching (15:29)Connect with Leanne Pletcher:Email: leanne@mauivb.comHawaii Visitors and Conventions Bureau: https://www.hvcb.org/Maui Travel Updates: https://www.gohawaii.com/maui-travel-updatesConnect with Angie Orth:Website +Blog: https://angieaway.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angieaway/?hl=enConnect with AAA:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprisesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesTraveling with AAA Podcast: https://www.ace.aaa.com/travel/information/traveling-with-aaa-podcastPlan your next vacation with AAA: https://aaa.com/travel