One year later we remember the Lahaina we all once shared, and the people we sadly lost. The Lahaina fire was one of the biggest losses of life due to a wildfire in American history to date. We lost 102 lovely members of our community, and two are still missing. A beautiful memorial has been created along the Lahaina Bypass lined with crosses, photos, leis, and lights to remember them every day.
Many Lahaina residents are still anxiously waiting to go back to their properties. Many of the 2,200 homes have been cleared, with gravel being placed on their property once it has passed through the stages of clean up. There are multiple companies that have been working tirelessly day in and day out to clear the debris and free the soil of toxins so all residents can return to their properties and begin rebuilding. For many it seems like a daunting process, but there are organizations that are helping make this process a little bit easier.
Just like other previous disasters on the mainland, people tend to move on and forget about the destruction of the community, as well as the survivors and the struggles they face trying to rebuild their lives. Please remember Lahaina, and the community that has welcomed you in years past. For many visitors, their memories are filled with enjoyable times on Front Street, eating at one of the many restaurants or browsing local shops for souvenirs, but it's the people that make up this wonderful community.
Come and visit, but be respectful. Support our local businesses, such as local shops, restaurants, and food trucks in West Maui, and throughout the entire Island. Be sure to tip your servers, bellmen and women, taxi & Uber drivers, and be kind to anyone in the service industry. Other organizations that could always use help are the ones that many don't think about often, but that have been a resource throughout the year—including local cat and dog sanctuaries, Maui food bank, and local hubs that have been serving food to our residents all this time.
Many of our Lahaina residents are still displaced and scattered across the island. More still have temporarily relocated to the mainland. Every day is a struggle. We have good days and bad days. The 8th of every month has become an anniversary, and soon it will become one full year. Everyone I know that has been directly or indirectly affected by the fires has gone through stages of grief. Many of us repeat the stages over and over. Getting to the final stage of Acceptance has been the most difficult for many. Maybe August 8th, 2024, the one-year anniversary, will help us heal and allow us to accept the reality that Lahaina is not just a place or a town, but a community of people that share their love for one another. Lahaina is unlike any place we have lived in our lives, and it’s all because of the people that share a connection to this beautiful place.
More than Maui Luxury Real Estate
The Maui Luxury Team is based in Lahaina, experiencing all of the hardships and recovery efforts within the community firsthand. It’s about more than selling Maui luxury real estate—it’s about building a nurturing community. If you have questions, fill out a contact form or call (808) 757-8053.