When filming of "Maui Fever" began, everyone involved was excited about the potentially vast and beneficial exposure for Hawaii. According to Hawaii's State Film Commissioner at that time, Donne Dawson, "Maui Fever"'s producers were receptive to community and cultural concerns, and wanted the show to be as authentic as possible. Maui Film Commissions Benita Brazier also expressed strong optimism regarding "Maui Fever", saying she was certain it would "put Maui in a good light," even though she knew there would be "some conflict of interest" (due to the usual content of reality television programming). Brazier indicated that she expected the producers to educate themselves about the island and "document the Maui that most visitors will never experience."