I had good experiences there, but I came there already knowing someone and quickly made friends. It’s definitely not Maui in terms of catering to tourism. I had some uncomfortable moments. The people I knew who were employed… a plumeria farm owner who supplied leis to hotels on Maui, a tower maintenance dude who climbed those massively tall towers, a construction worker, a pastor, someone who worked at the airport. Many were on the government dole. There really isn’t any industry there that I recall. Back then Maunaloa was still open for business though, some hotels were open. Sounds like they closed.

Most of the people I knew have moved to Oahu.