This is a personal update from us, Alvaro and Silvana of Best of Maui Activities, following the devastating fires in Lahaina, Maui. We share our own reflections on this tragedy and the aftermath, as well as warmly invite you to be part of Maui’s healing journey by continuing to visit our beautiful island home.
What Happened to Our Island Home on August 8, 2023
As you probably already know, on the morning of August 8, Maui suffered the deadliest wildfire in the U.S. in one hundred years and by far the most devastating catastrophe in Hawaii’s history. The fire was fueled by West Maui’s hillsides’ severe drought and winds that surpassed 80 miles per hour. Its aftermath was devastating destruction that burned over 2,000 acres of land, decimated the historic town of Lahaina, and claimed 115 lives.
We Honor Our Heroes
On August 8, our local heroes at the Maui Police, the Maui Fire Department, and the U.S. Coast Guard came into action, risking their lives and some ignoring the destruction of their own homes so that they could save people. Our son and nephew, Officer Noah Feitosa, a recent Maui Police Academy graduate, braved the fire to bring dozens of residents to safety. He was only one of many, many others.
And our First Responders were not the only ones; Lahaina residents risked their own lives to save their neighbors. Some, like my dear friend Joe Schilling, AKA “Uncle Joe,” after saving two elderly neighbors, died in the fire as he attempted to save five others. Uncle Joe was loved by so many here in Maui, so we honor Uncle Joe and all our neighbors, family, and friends who gave their lives or lost loved ones in this tragedy that has forever changed our lives.
Our Loving Community Came Together
Within hours, our Maui community started working to help those who lost everything in the fire. Two main camps were opened in West Maui, where we brought donations of food, clothes, and other necessities. Many of us volunteered to cook meals and care for our “Keiki” (kids) so parents could better navigate the first days and hours after the fire.
Some businesses chose to stay open to feed their neighbors free of charge, which was the case with our friends at Papi’s Ohana in Honokowai, only a few miles from the epicenter of the Lahaina fires. When you come to Maui, be sure to stop by to say “aloha” to Papi’s Ohana. Witnessing the Aloha spirit of solidarity and compassion at work during such difficult times touched us deeply.
Picking Up the Pieces and Grabbing onto Hope
After several days and weeks of feeling as if we were living in a bad dream, with God’s help and the help of our loved ones, we have begun the process of rebuilding our lives the best we can. Just as green shoots started to unfurl around the trunk of our badly burned Lahaina Banyan Tree, we have faith our community will recover from this tragedy and come out on the other side as a more vigorous, stronger, and loving one another much better than before.
Maui is Open for Business
Our community is working hard to return to a “new normal.” Except for the Lahaina area devastated by the fire, Maui remains open for business. Our beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and trails are as welcoming as ever. From Kapalua to Kaanapali, Kihei to Makena, and Hana to Haleakala, Maui is waiting for our visitors to come back and experience all it has in store.
Some areas close to Lahaina town were initially closed to the public following the fires but from the 1st of this month (November 2023) the Maui Mayor has declared the rest of West Maui – except Lahaina – to be open for tourism once more. For further information about travelling to Maui at this time see Maui travel FAQs here.
You Can Be Part of Our Healing and Recovery
Reading this article to this point means you already love Maui or are looking to come to Maui and fall in love with it, and that means the world to us! Since August 8, we have received several calls from guests concerned about coming to Maui after hearing they should not come to respect our feelings. It is true that some residents felt uncomfortable about visitors having fun on vacation whilst they were still hurting. As time moves on most of us share the view that we cannot sink into sorrow and take on a victim identity, but we must take courage and make the best of each day we are given. It is essential we revitalise our economy so we may provide for our families.
Seeing our visitors return gives us hope and encourages us to get up every day and be productive for ourselves, our families, and our community. The bottom line is we don’t just “want” you to come to Maui; we “would love” you to! We appreciate you and hope you will come to be part of our rebirth as soon as possible!
If you feel led to offer monetary support, here are a few reputable organizations we know actively support immediate and long-term recovery efforts. You can visit their websites and find the one that best meets your giving criteria: Feed My Sheep, Maui Strong Fund, Hawaii’s Salvation Army, or Samaritan’s Purse.
A Big Mahalo
Our Best of Maui Activities Ohana would like to say “mahalo” to you for visiting our website and considering us as your Maui concierges. We appreciate the opportunity and look forward to getting to know you and sharing our love for our forever-island home. If you have any questions about visiting Maui at this time then please don’t hesitate to reach out to us, we’d love to hear from you.
Blessings to you and your loved ones!
Alvaro & Silvana