One month ago today, residents of Lahaina, Maui woke up to what they thought would be a normal day. They might have heard about the fires an hour away in Pukalani, or they might have smelled a bit of smoke from a fire that was just starting in the hills above their city. But they couldn’t have possibly imagined the horror and destruction that was about to happen; a senseless fire that destroyed one of the most beloved cities in the world and cost so many lives.
I can’t believe it’s been a month since so many people lost their lives, their loved ones, their homes, and their jobs in lovely Lahaina. I think about this once beautiful, quirky, slightly wacky city every day. Many days I still shed a tear or two. Part of me doesn’t want to, but I force myself to confront reality now and then by turning my iPhone music library to “Lahaina Luna,” an ode to a city “where the mountains are green” and where “Maui no ka oi,” which means Maui is the best. I also have listened late at night to my other Hawaiian faves, and to The Eagles “Last Resort,” where they famously sing about the neon sign in Lahaina (I presume destroyed in the fire) that says “Jesus Coming Soon.” I’m haunted by the final lyrics of the song, which go “They called it paradise, I don’t know why. You call some place paradise, kiss it goodbye.”
Just writing that now makes me tear up again, and I don’t know what to do. I’ve donated money to the Maui Food Bank, but need to donate more. I’ve written stories about how Maui is still open for tourist business, and that tourism is needed, despite the immense sadness and incredible, incredible job that lies ahead. I have posted about the Banyan Tree, which might live after all, and about businesses in West Maui opening to locals this week.
There are some signs of encouragement, from afar. But, as much as I love Lahaina and Maui, I’m not a resident. And I’m not Hawaiian. I can’t begin to imagine the pain of someone who lost their child or brother or father, or who lost a treasured family home. And what about their jobs? Lahaina is one of the most expensive cities to live in in the United States. Where do people work if the Pioneer Inn is gone and Kimo’s restaurant and the Honolua Surf Co. clothing store lie in ashes? If they somehow could find a job, where would they live?
I’ve read about Maui residents weighing the option of moving to the dry desert of Las Vegas. I don’t blame them given housing costs, but to take a Hawaiian away from the life-giving ocean that has defined their culture for centuries is a dreadful thing to imagine.
I have so many questions. But no answers. I know it would be good for people to return to Maui and be respectful, because that would help workers in open areas of the island. But I understand the pain is still too great for some to bear the idea of a visitor from Vancouver or Chicago strolling along the sand at a posh hotel in Wailea, or even going to the food trucks near the airport in Kahului.
I was planning to visit O’ahu in late October following a visit to Molokai and Lana’i. But I now plan visit to Maui, to see how things are going to and write about it, and to volunteer a day of my time to help people who desperately need assistance. I don’t expect to be welcomed by everyone with open arms, and I won’t be peering behind police fences to see the damage in once beguiling and beautiful Lahaina. But I feel it’s something I need to do.
Sending much aloha to all my friends on Maui.
Here’s the story I wrote around Aug. 17, 2023, shortly after the tragedy on Maui.
I was busy writing a travel story on Wednesday when I spotted a Facebook note from my sister: “I’m heartbroken over fires on Maui; just read much of Front Street in Lahaina destroyed.”
Whhhaaaaattttt?!!?!!
This was the first I heard of news that has been haunting me for the nine days or so. I’ve tried to focus on work I need to do but it’s too hard. I’m constantly going online and checking Twitter/X and multiple news sources to see what’s happening to an island that feels like my second home.
As of Thursday morning, Aug. 17, there were 111 reported deaths on a relatively small, close-knit island that may never be the same. Authorities expect that number to climb, as only 25% of the town has been searched and, according to CNN, some 1,000 people are missing.
Fuelled by winds from a hurricane hundreds of miles away, several wildfires swept over bone-dry patches of Maui (and also the island of Hawai’i) at a furious pace six days ago, trapping people in their cars and forcing dozens of people to dive into the ocean to escape the flames.
Lahaina, Maui fire. Photo taken by Vince Carter on Maui.
The loss of human life is almost unfathomable, and the damage to homes and businesses is staggering. Photos from the scene show entire blocks of the history town of Lahaina reduced to rubble and smoking, senseless ash.
I was 12 years old the first time I set foot on the island of Maui. My parents, who had been twice before, took my sister and I to a small, family-run condo development on Napili Bay called The Mauian. We loved, loved, loved it. And I still love it to this day; the little pool, the brilliant plumeria blossoms, the shuffleboard courts, the green grass, and the blue ocean and fabulous Napili Beach right in front.
It’s maybe 20 minutes from Napili to the town of Lahaina, which at one time was the capital of the kingdom of Hawai’I and also was a wild, rollicking centre for whaling back in the day. The town later became a mecca for tourists from around the world.
Lahaina, Maui before the fires. PHOTO COURTESY HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY
Our family would often make the easy drive into Lahaina to shop for groceries or t-shirts, or to go for a fine meal at one of the many waterfront restaurants, where you’ll get some of the finest sunsets on the planet.
Somewhere there’s a photo of me from 1968 posing with the old, carved wooden fisherman on the west side of the Pioneer Inn in Lahaina, a simple but evocative white, wooden, two-storey hotel that opened in 1902. I distinctly remember that old guy, as well as the massive, shady banyan tree next door (second largest in the world, they said) and the funky, wooden shops along Front Street.
I’ve been to Maui at least 30 times since that first trip, and I’ve sauntered about the streets of Lahaina on probably a hundred occasions.
I’ve dined dozens and dozens of times at the town’s waterfront restaurants, often while watching a golden sun slip into the blue Pacific. I’ve checked out the exhibits on Chinese life at the Ho Wing Temple. I’ve shopped countless times at Honolua Surf Company, grabbed ice cream at Lappert’s, toured the historic Baldwin House on Front Street, and banged the drums at Fleetwood’s on Front, owned by Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac.
Lahaina, Maui. JIM BYERS PHOTO
I love Lahaina. I love the little pocket beaches and the wooden store fronts and the galleries and the endless souvenir stores. I love that there are two ABC convenience shops so close together. I love the squawking parrots outside the Pioneer Inn and the little museum in front of the Banyan Tree. I love morning services at Maria Lanakila Catholic Church, with joyous hymns and Hawaiian music blasting into a warm, tropical morning.
I’ve surfed in Lahaina a few times. I’ve watched the sun drop into the ocean from a tour boat just offshore, and listened to the sounds of Lahaina waking up as I nursed a coffee at the Pioneer Inn at sunrise.
My Dad and I under the Banyan Tree in Lahaina, Maui in better days.
But now? I don’t know. The San Francisco Chronicle is quoting a Baldwin House employee as saying the home has been destroyed, presumably along with all its amazing historical relics from the days of the missionaries. Photos show nothing but rubble where the Pioneer Inn (1901) once stood.
I see photos online that seem to show all of central Lahaina has been wiped out. There are burned-out cars and piles of smoking ash where bustling galleries and souvenir shops once stood. Fleetwood’s on Front is in ruins. My friend on Maui tells me the Plantation Inn, a great little hotel, is gone.
“Anything in the town center here is just completely devastated,” CNN’s Bill Weir reported Thursday.
“Every single person that I work with, the people that I see at the bank, the grocery store, everyone I know is now homeless,” one Lahaina man told NBC News. “In 36 hours our town has been burnt to ash. There’s nothing left.”
The New York Times reports that some 11,000 visitors have been evacuated. Air Canada sent a plane to Maui the other day to bring Canadians home. Visitors have been asked to leave, and non-essential travel to Maui is being strongly discouraged.
I’m at a loss for words at the devastation and destruction of this peaceful, historic, goofy, fun-loving and greatly treasured town, home to nearly 10,000 people and a delight to visitors for hundreds of years. After checking with friends, I’m told the Maui Food Bank is a great, hands-on charity to donate to. Please do so if you can!
Front Street Lahaina-DONOVAN-FAYD-Maui Now photo
I also saw today that Jeff Bezos of Amazon fame has donated an astonishing $100 million to help with recovery efforts.
Tourism is important to Maui, but visitors will return. Lahaina and other areas will recover. But what about the next fire? What about other islands? And what about the people and the shop owners and their employees? Where do they sleep? How do they pay for food and clothing and the necessities of life? There are shelters for today, but what about next week, next month, next year?
Many of us have lost a special place, but places can be rebuilt. Others have their homes or their businesses husbands and wives, or parents. Or, even worse, perhaps their children.
It is to weep.
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Extremely devastating saddens me deeply
I was once a typical tourist in Hawaii, I then learned that Hawaii is a very sacred place, which is being lost by consumerism.
I also will never forget going to Easter Sunday mass at Maria Lanakila Catholic Church. It was like I died and went to Heaven! My heart is aching from all the wonderful memories. The Banyon Tree was one of our favorites as well, just sitting underneath it and enjoying its beauty. Yes, it can all be rebuilt, but it will never be the same. My husband passed last summer and that will never be the same as well. Only beautiful memories.
So sorry, Sharon. I wish you all the best. Aloha, Jim
My heart is so heavy, I’ve been to Lahaina Town so many times. Have experienced almost everything you stated. I just can’t believe this horrible fire. I urge everyone to make a donation to the Maui Food Bank. Prayers for Lahaina Town.
Beautifully said. Homes, family and dreams, gone. I’m sure as people around the world learn of this devastation, this tragedy, will contribute with Aloha. Maui food bank, check! As a resident of Kauai in this beautiful state of Hawaii I thank you for your meaningful words.
Beautifully said. Homes, family and dreams, gone. I’m sure as people around the world learn of this devastation, this tragedy, will contribute with Aloha. Maui food bank, check! As a resident of Kauai in this beautiful state of Hawaii I thank you for your meaningful words.
LAHAINA was my adoring haunt from ’88-’98( to me The Golden Age of West Side Tourism, Shopping, and World Class Food). I visited literally all of Lahaina’s world denominational churches, temples, missions, and chapels and finally settled on the very historic Congregational Waiola Church( with Kahu Kekapa Lee, a much sought after singing sensation!) Tragically my Blessed Waiola Church, with its open aired side doors that naturally cooled the pues didn’t survive the recent recent. But the wonderful Catholic standby Maria Lanakila(that rang bells on each hour) miraculously made it. President Joe Biden will visit it on Monday, Aug.21 I believe. Even my braddahs storage up near LAHAINA GATEWAY mall and Kahoma Stream bridge wasn’t burned, thank goodness. But most everything else is everlasting, historic, quaint, warm memories full of Aloha! Even my old Apt. at The Makai Apts(that became The Makai Inn) burned right down to its sea wall, as well as LAHAINA Residential, and Greg Zacks old property on Kenui Street that became The Front St. Apts….all burned out. Not sure about the Luakini Apts though just behind Front Street near the Dive Shop. Great times in LAHAINA, back when Bob (Bobbyshoo) Longhi was serving up the most ono grinds(I used to tend tables there) at Longhi’s at 888 Front St. RIP Bobbyshoo. Eternal love for those good ole days!!
Thank you for your beautiful memories of Lahaina. It holds such a special place in our hearts- the people, nature, culture, etc are a little piece of paradise. We are so worried about the lives lost and what the future holds for all the families and businesses in the area. Looking for ways to help…
My oldest friend lost two restaurants that he and his son built over 20 years ago. Obviously they are devastated as all of us are.
My biggest concern now, is will his insurance protect him as he was promised/guaranteed by making his payments regularly for years. My prayers are with all those who have lost their lives and/or their property. XoXo
I was just there a couple of weeks ago, and it was paradise for us! I have no words for what happen and I pray for all of them! A friend of mine lost his gallery on Front Street, but he and his family are safe.
Just like you, I loved Lahaina… such a desaster! But I hope like you said, Lahaina will stand up again, more beautiful and more powerful than the last time!
Greetings from Germany
Dirk
Indeed we will Dirk…onipa’a! A hui hou brah!
I love what you have written. I felt like it was me wearing all you did in this article. Maui and Lahaina hold very special places in my heart and my families heart. I am completely heartbroken for this devastating tragedy and have a loss for worlds. Many families have lost everything. They’re homes, businesses, memories. I send many prayers to the people of Maui.
Thank you/mahalo Amanda. Very kind of you. It’s just so awful, and senseless.
Your ode to Lahaina was spot on. We have such wonderful memories of Lahaina, especially Front Street. We were also devastated and sadden when we heard the news. I have and will continue to pray for the people in Maui. I will also donate to help.
We left Lahaina last Wednesday, August 2nd. Blessed to experience its beauty. I’m devastated with the news and I hope and pray for its great people and their journey to rebuild their lives and beautiful city. Heart broken in Texas, Ismael
Mahalo, Ismael. God bless you and yours.
I was just there in March of this year- it is so sad to hear about the devastation of this community- I find it hard believe that 36 people have died “- it’s certainly more important than the many memories that I have of this “Island Oasis”
I’m just trying to find out if Maria Lanakila is still standing…my heart hurts for Lahaina. I’ve heard through social media that a church is still standing so I’ve been praying it is Mariaa Lanakila.
The church seems to have survived. It is a miracle.
I did not read, is the Catholic Church completely burned down?
Thanks for all the great information.
Charlie
Chino Hills, CA
The church somehow survived. It is a small miracle.
You are speaking for a lot of Lahaina visitors. I have visited yearly for the last decade, staying at the condos at the corner of Dickerson and Wainee, so I spent yesterday searching photos for any sign of the locations I have come to love and have determined it is all gone. Maria Lanakila Catholic Church, Baldwin House, Waiola Church. All of it. Of course, I can’t see the people I have met in the last decade, and my heart aches for them. I know it has changed, but I will return as soon as I know I won’t be a burden to the system.
Mahalo nui loa, Cindy. Maria Lanakila miraculously survived. Please return and help those lovely local people when you can. Sending you much aloha. – Jim
Our first visit to Maui was in 2007. After that we wanted to go back immediately, and for the last 15 years we enjoyed at least 20 more visits. During that time we met a number of wonderful people that we still keep in touch with at the hotel or restaurants. We were scheduled to return on 9/1-9/15/23 but it will need to wait until the people and businesses get their lives together. We say prayers that they get through this terrible ordeal.
Mahalo for this. A beautiful tribute and well said for those of us on the mainland who love and respect the island, ita traditions, and its beautiful people.
Mahalo nui loa, Alberta.
Lived on Maui, upcountry, but visiting Lahaina was always magical. My heart is broken and bleeding for all that has been lost. Be strong people of Lahaina. All of Hawaii and people from all over the world who have visited Lahaina are sending divine energy your way.
we have enjoyed the people of West Maui and would like to contribute to those in need.
I too have so many good memories of West Maui. My first trip as a young girl to Puamana, yearly vacations there, I was married on Napili beach and my parents ashes are off Kaanapali. The museums in Lahaina, the Banyon tree, the shops, the homes, the historical district, breakfast at the Pioneer Inn…so many memories. Most of all I feel bad for the locals who survived the wreck that Covid inflicted on them and now this. God bless them all. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
So very sad. Have been searching for any news since the fires were first reported. We cannot wrap our heads around the loss Maui is experiencing. We have visited the Islands,Maui specifically,since 1973. We have been in Lahaina hundreds of timesto shop, eat and browse the galleries. We have attended mass at the Maria Lanakila church over the years.
Memories of Lahaina will have to suffice but we will continue to visit the Island when it becomes safe.
Prayers for all of you that have experienced this disaster, prayers of comfort and love for those that have lost families and loved ones. Lahaina will always be in our hearts and memories, we grew up in Wailuku and have worked in Lahaina in 2008 and our company put us in beach homes on the waterfront. My evening stroll into the town and down the waterfront was always filled with great meals, great fellowship with the locals, and the serenity of this quaint little town. Lord….give the families and visitors alike comfort, love, warmth,knowing you are there for them…..amen
I have lived and loved MauiNoKaOi since 1984 to now 2023 and I am numb though I, and my ohana, are some of the fortunate ones that avoided the the worst of the ravaging fires of Lahaina, Upcountry (Kula, Makawao, Pulehu), and Kihei/ Maui Meadows. Though we live Wailuku Town we are devastated by all the local loss of good folks and the destroyed special Island towns we love so much. But you cannot burn our spirit! We will persevere, rebuild, renew, but always remember….how it used to be. Da kine brah! Mahalo to Ke Akua for blessings to appreciate and help each other. Please transfer your love of Maui and our wounded kamaaina into gifts that replenish and give hope. And come back someday soon to Maui when we are whole again…and we talk story again of better times! Mahalo Nui Loa!
Mahalo nui loa, Francis. I am glad your family and friends seem to have been spared. But I grieve for so many others. Sending you much love and aloha.
Thank you for your penetrating and evocative work. I am heartbroken like so many. Lahaina was my home for 15 years. Only there beneath the West Maui Mountains could we poets have met and started the Maui Live Poets Society-1994 – and then the International Peace Poem Project -library park in 1996- and then the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Peacepoem Contest-1999, in a creative atmosphere unique in mana and beauty. I’m grateful fot such golden memories and bereft. We send our deepest condolences to all Lahaina folks.
Sincerely with aloha,
Maui Live Poets Society
Mahalo nui loa, Melinda. I don’t think I even began to capture the magic of Lahaina, but I thank you for your kind words. I’ve been lucky enough to spend maybe six or seven months of my life on Maui, and I treasure each and every single day. Sending you and your ohana much aloha. – Jim
My sister and her family live in Napili. She has her friends that lived in Lahiana that lost everything staying with them. There is no road out of Napili to get anywhere. Live wires all down that are extremely dangerous. No electricity or cell or internet service. Her children’s school in Lahiana is gone. My sister lived thru 9/11 in her twenties when she lived in the east village. This is such a tragedy for the local people there. It is such a close knit community. All prayers and any help for these wonderful people are greatly needed and appreciated
Thank you, Tara. I love Napili with all my heart and soul. My heart breaks for the people of lovely Lahaina. Much aloha to you and your ohana.
I am in mourning for Maui and all of Hawaii. It always seemed that everyone knew everyone or were ohana so the grief is widespread on the islands, as it is with all of us who have carried Hawaii in our hearts since our first visit. I haven’t heard anything about Napili beach or Ka-anopoli beach buildings or businesses. Any word?
It is just horrific! We’ve lately been spending the month of March in Maui. We stay in Kihei, but always visit Lahaina multiple times.
Our hearts go out to the people who have lost everything!
I go every 2 years to Maui and know every foot of front street by heart. 2023 is my off year but I’m 68 and considered going this June anyway. How I wish I had. The fire is like the unexpected death of a loved one that I took for granted that I would see again. My loss is nothing compared to those who lived there, but I share their pain and bewilderment as mourn the loss of a dear friend.
Your sensitive remembrance brought tears to my eyes, because I at that moment was picturing all that our family had enjoyed throughout the years visiting that special place. Those sunsets, watching that glorious light fall into the ocean….those days spent engaging in conversations with the locals…the pier, the restaurants, the ice cream, the history…I am so very sad for all of those people who are now hanging on a thread- I pray they are strengthened with help to get through this horrific time. We thank you for these words of reflection….such a heartfelt gesture
I can’t thank you enough for your kind words, Pat. I’m still at a loss and don’t know how to respond. You’re my kind of people, and you sound like the sort of person that visits and makes Hawai’i a better place. Mahaho nui loa, and much aloha to you and yours.
I have so many memories of Lahaina as well. I first went to Maui with my parents while in college. I am heartbroken.
Aloha…So beautifully written. Captured many of our memories🌺 Maui no ka oi
Mahalo & Aloha
Mahalo, Carol. Sending you much aloha
💔 Heartbroken to hear about the wildfires devastating Maui. Prayers to all of the Maui residents and businesses affected by these fires. Our family loves Maui and the people of Hawaii. Here’s how to help: https://bit.ly/3s2EZvk
P.S. I hope there is a lot of thought and effort to ensure that local Hawaiians can afford to live there after the rebuild.
Like you I am HEARTBROKEN at the loss of such an AMAZING & HISTORICAL part of Maui. Being from Oahu and relocating to Maui for nearly 25 years, each time I went to Lahaina I felt a spirit of joy or contentment. As if, if I had a choice to have a ‘do over’ I would choose to have been raised in Lahaina in the Old Days when Whaling was the main thing. Lahaina Town and Front Street are iconic. To the families that have lost loves one’s and/or their EVERYTHING I grieve for you, too. Each of you are in my prayers. If there is one constant that I am sure of – after the immediate shock begins to ebb, the strong mana that exists in the land, through the history, and within the good people of Lahaina will prevail. That goodness and resilience is in environment and your DNA. You will comeback. You will rebuild. You will THRIVE, again. Why? You know not otherwise… God Bless each and every one of you… IMUA LAHAINA!
God Bless all involved in the fires in Maui …MAUI STRONG. ❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏
Mahalo, Doug. I’m still in a state of disbelief. Such a senseless tragedy.
I have been to Hawaii 50 or 60 times I cry every time I get on the plane to leave. It has always been about the Aloha Spirit. I am single so most of my trips have been to Honolulu (with the idea that there was always time to return to Maui)
I can’t stop crying. My heart is lost I like the suggestion to donate to the Maui Food Bank. Mahalo to them
Mahalo, Rosemary. 50-60 times? That’s truly remarkable. I agree, the “aloha spirit” is what makes Hawai’i the great place it is. Sending you much aloha.
We also have wonderful memories of Lahaina. I am also at a loss for any words about this horrible tragedy. I can’t read any article to my husband because I start crying. We wanted to move there years ago. Stayed at Lahaina Shores several times, and a little house on Front Street that is now a pile of ashes. Does anyone know if Lahaina Shores survived the flames? Thank you for this article!
We were fortunate enough to spend a week at the Pioneer Inn last year and walked under the banyon tree every day and the streets and restaurants daily. Our hearts are breaking for Maui.
So sad for our beautiful island Maui. Here on the Big Island we are praying for all of you and though we may be separated by oceans all hearts that you have touched are breaking for your losses. Please know, you are not alone and we are keeping you in our thoughts every minute of the day.
Aloha nui Loa Maui.
We are working closely with our community members. I can share that Maria Lanakila survived! We have lost our spiritual and cultural home, Waiola Church. Stories from ohana are horrific. The death toll is not fully in and sadly will be higher. Prayers are needed. Donations to the Hawaii Community Foundation is recommended! Our organization is accepting donations as well. We will be using 100% of funds to help restore the Waiola Church community and spread to the larger Lahaina community from there in our campaign to “Uplift Lahaina”.
Thank you/mahalo nui loa for your donations. It’s a miracle that lovely Maria Lanakila survived, but so much was lost, Paulo. I donated to the Maui Food Bank immediately, but I need to do more. I also might visit in late October if it feels right, and if (and only if) I can volunteer to help the beautiful people of West Maui in some way.
I was there 4 weeks ago with all my big family members.We have the nice time there.The seaside ,the sunset,the foods and the nice peoples there.It is so sad to hear about so many peoples lost their life ,houses and their works.I hope they can rebuilt the place.
So many wonderful memories,so sad for the locals,it’s hard to believe.
We were in Maui in March . My husbands sister was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer snd that was the only Island she and her late husband had not stayed on. Precious memories and Maui was Beautiful. Prayers for all those that have lost loved ones, homes and businesses. That you for sharing the Food Bank as a donation place. I made a donation in memory of my sister in law. Hope to do more later.
My daughter and her husband got married on D Fleming beach in Lahaina. They were there just 3 weeks ago to celebrate their 10 yr Anniversary. They stayed at Aston Kaanapali Shores where we all stayed when they got married. Do you know if either of them are still standing?
Ka’anapali was undamaged. Ditto for Fleming beach up in Kapalua.
As of 3p Friday, 8/11/23, 67 of our lahui have passed away. My family of 5 generations property is gone. Our beloved Waiolu church is gone. The BanyanTree that MY grandfather physically planted is charred. “Mr. Smith” took the “kudos ” for it. My heart is aching so much, as the number of deaths rise.
Oh, my, Kuuipo. Your grandfather planted the tree? Can you tell me more? I would love to speak with you about your beloved Lahaina. I lost a place I love to visit, but that is nothing compared to your losses. I would love to talk with you sometime and hear the story of your ohana on Maui. I’m so, so, so, sorry devastated and so, so sorry for your loss, and that of my Maui friends. Two weeks later and I can’t stop the tears. My email is jim@jimbyerstravel.com. Sending much aloha to you and yours.
Thank you for sharing. I have great memories of Lahaina. I had a trip planned for September with my cousin and couldn’t wait for her to see all the beauty. I am so saddened by all the loss of life and the loss of such a beautiful place. Many prayers for everyone in Maui.
A beautifully written article, thank you. The news , for me, was like a punch to the heart. I have visited Maui multiple times in the past 23 years and my first day is always spent in Lahaina….for all the reasons you have mentioned. I’m heartbroken for all those who have lost family members, homes and businesses. We will miss you Lahaina….and hope you will rise again with the same wacky charm and beauty. ❤️
Mahalo, Christine. I somehow feel I know you. I love your line about “wacky charm.” That sums up the Lahaina I knew and loved. Sending you much aloha.
I’m so sorry to hear of what is taking place on your beautiful island. I heard so many great stories about Maui. It is on my husband and I bucket list to visit. I will keep the people of Maui in my prayers. Aloha
A few years ago, my husband, James & I went to Maui for 10 days. I had not been to Hawaii before, I was so excited, the time went by so fast. We stayed at the Royal Kahana, a beautiful place. Our room was close to the beach. I couldn’t believe how beautiful & clear the water was, absolutely incredible not like Calif beaches. We went to Lahaina to a awesome restaurant that was over 100 years old. We also sat under the banyan tree. I hadn’t seen a tree that huge before & also went to the ABC stores. What an absolutely incredible town, also, I went snorkeling on the surface on the Pride of Maui boat, like another world so beautiful & serene. We are so heartbroken for your town & the people who live there. Your town will always have a special place in our hearts. All of Hawaii will, my husband has extended family there in Kauai & we are praying that there will be no more destruction in Maui & all the other islands. Can you please email me the address to the Maui food bank, thank you.
https://mauifoodbank.org/donate/. Thank you/mahalo
Aloha Jim. Such a moving tribute to your memories of Lahaina. I also was there many times and am so happy I was. This is a major tragedy for all of us who know and love the islands and their people. They will rise up again in Glory. Blessings for all of them. Mahalo for your excellent story.
Mahalo for your kind words, Debra. I’m devastated, but I only lost a place I like to visit. I can’t imagine the pain of the people who lost family members or friends. Sending you much aloha.
My husband and I had our commitment ceremony at Polynesian Shores several years ago we were so blessed to have
Reverend Laki officiate for us. He summoned the gods and ancestors through his conch shell and I truly felt their presence and so much love that day.
Please Reverand Laki I beg you go to Lanai to the Banyan Tree it needs your help. Remind it of its importance to the ancestral history and how much it is loved. Ask the spirits to help heel this wounded tree so that it can feel the power of love so that it can heal. My heart is broken and I believe in the power of prayer. I know many would gather there and you could make such a powerful statement to so many who need hope.
Lahaina and Island of Maui has suffered a Hugh setback. As strong as these islanders are I’m sure this town will bounce back. And establish a new and inviting town,soon in the future. God Bless You All 🙏
No one has said really. How did this fire start , man made , or nature. And I know the wind propelled it. A lady took a video of a fire nearby , she and her husband said, It took less than three minutes to travel approx. 1/2 mile to start they’re house ablaze ?
This is heartbreaking.
I first visited Maui in 1980, when I worked for AMFAC in the mainland. One of the delightful employee benefits was being able to stay for free at any of there hotels after a year of service.
I chose Maui. Five years later, I bought my first home. I adore Maui.
Without writing endless personal history, I just wish to say that I still have lifelong friends there. It is my home in my heart. I cannot believe this devastation. One thing is certain, I will help anyway I am able to bring this paradise back.
Maui saved my soul and I surely wish to repay her forwith the same!
I went to Lahaina with 2 cousins and their 2 friends. My Mom asked my cousins if I could come cuz I was devastated after losing my baby 2 days after she was born. Mom paid for my ticket. The best place for me to be. Paradise. I actually wanted to move and live in Lahaina. Never did. Wonderful memories. TY Lahaina for helping me heal. Praying for all of you in Lahaina. Blessings.
Ive wept for days. Whenever the news carried an update on Lahaina. It hits close to home when our family member lost their home. I couldnt find or contact my GF from our high school days who lived in the area. .I feared the worse as the body count kept rising. Tears of joy when i wad finally able get her. Others are still looking for their families. I just want them to be displaced and not found in the ashes. My heart aches for “my” people.
Your story has touched a cord with me as I too have such fond memories of Lahaina. I’m still processing what has happened. My family and my lady have made dozens of trips to the island and have been entertaining thoughts of moving there permanently in our retirement. I’m still mourning the loss of the sugar cane train that passed from it’s runs a few years ago, but that seems trivial now to the loss of the entire city. You framed it so elegantly. All the memories of how it was and it’s mind-boggling that I may never again see Front Street as it was. One positive out of all of this is that now, the experts are optimistic that the Banyan tree has survived, time will tell, and hopefully, a new chapter will be written.
We can only hope. Mahalo for your love of Lahaina.
Lahaina may you rebuild but the thousands who have seen are very lucky to have had the experience of Lahaina!
Thank you for capturing my experiences too. My first trip to Maui and Oahu was 1973, your memories mirror mine. Such a special place and foundational to my life. Maui needs us then and now. My trip next week is canceled. But my heart is there forever.
Great article. I had a similar story, going to Maui for the first time as a child and falling in love. I’ve been back 15 or more times. Fortunately, I have been able to take my kids so they could experience it. We ate at Kimo’s about 40 years after my parents first took me there. I’m so sad. It was hard to concentrate this week. Just sick to my stomach.
Agree completely, Mike. It’s gut wrenching to see the damage.
My heart is heavy, words cannot express the sorrow
and tremendous pain i feel for those that have lost their loved ones. Houses and stores can be rebuilt, however, the unnecessary loss of life and gorgeous Banyan tree are gone forever. I live in Oahu and would love to help somehow, but dont know where to start. Many friends and neighbors here feel the same. We would love to offer housing in Oahu to those that have lost their homes. Lahaina was my favorite place to visit for my birthday. Now its time to give back to this amazing little historic town that has brought so much joy and love to so many. Please contact me and tell me how to begin giving back to my beloved Lahaina.
Mahalo for your note. There are many places where you can donate. See my blog posts for more information. The Maui Food Bank is one option. All the best to you, and continued prayers for Lahaina.
I live in Northern California. I had just returned from a visit to family on Oahu, my birthplace, when the first news of the fires on the Big Island and Maui came out. My first thoughts were,”Where are the heavy planes with the fire retardant chemicals? What, only 100 firefighters? ” We have had several fires start in our county (Mendocino) this year. None have gone beyond a few acres. The fire departments and Cal Fire are on them quickly. I can only attribute this to our past experiences with fires. We have all lived through the PSPS events when the local power companies have turned off power to prevent fires caused by downed power lines. We have learned from past fires. I hope Hawai’i can do the same. My heart goes out to the people of Lahaina. Thanks for your trip down memory lane.
I was there in May. So beautiful . So sad for the destruction. Got some wonderful pictures
It was a trip of a lifetime
I also went there in 1968 with my parents and knew that I would one day live there. I move there in 1976 at the age of 18 and stayed until 1995. I have memories that I treasure more now than I did a few days ago. Maui has a soul that has has been lost to the flames. I don’t know how the people of Lahaina can ever really recover from this tragedy. Prayer and time will heal but it will never be the same. Pray for the people of Maui.
So sorry for what has happened. They need to send in empty cruise ships to house all those misplaced families.
Thank you fir the wonderful memories of Lahaina. I too was a frequent visitor and the tears fall reading of the destruction. The Aloha spirit will rise again but the history is lost. Please rebuild and my prayers are with all the lost ad well as the survivors. God bless!