You cannot go to Maui without visiting Lahaina. It is a town steeped in Hawaiian history. It was originally a fishing village chosen as the royal capital in 1820 by King Kamehameha II and remained the capital until 1845 when Honolulu on Oahu replaced it.
Everybody in Hawaii is in shock right now. We've seen all the videos and pictures in the news, but it seems unbelievable.
We're told that the hot, dry summer created lots of fuel for the fires and although hurricane Dora missed the islands it sent wind gusts that strengthened the inferno.
I have memories of Lahaina in photos we've taken during several of our trips.
I can't believe it's gone.
When I first heard the news, 6 people were known to have perished in the fires.
I'd heard there was little warning because the fires moved so quickly.
There were reports of people having to jump into the ocean to escape the flames.
And then the next day the number had jumped to 36.
I just looked and it's now 53.
One of the most famous sites is the Banyan Tree. It is the largest in the US and was planted on April 24, 1873 which makes it 150 years old.
This is mom and me and Keola and Sarah.
And on the ocean side of the banyan tree is the Old Lahaina Courthouse which housed a museum, art gallery, NOAA exhibits and a Visitor Center.
My brother came by today and wondered if the banyan had survived the inferno.
I saw this in the news showing the banyan tree still there. They are not sure it will survive the trauma, but they are hopeful. You can see the white shell of the Old Lahaina Courthouse in front of it.
I'm hoping no more lives are lost. I'm hoping...
Kay, I've been watching this on the news the last couple days and thinking of you. Gosh I'm so sorry, it's unbelievable. Keeping the people there in my prayers and my fingers crossed for that precious tree. I'm glad you, Art & your mom are ok.
ReplyDeleteThis is horrific. I am so sorry about this. It is just terrible. I wish you well.
ReplyDeleteI've seen some pics. So sad. I hope the tree makes it.
ReplyDeleteI'm in shock at the devastation.
ReplyDeleteEven we here in the Midwest are sort of in shock. California burning is par for the course but Hawaii doesn't seem like that should have ever been a concern. I would be just as shocked if my town caught fire.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking of you though I know you are on a different island. I hope your state is able to recover from this tragedy.
Thinking of you in Hawaii, so devastating what has happened on Maui. Glad you are in Oahu.
ReplyDeleteThe whole world is watching and is aghast at what is happening in paradise. It is with so much sadness we watch this as we have seen similar sights here in California and know the devastation on the land and its people.
ReplyDeleteThere's something about islands (greek islands, and now Hawai islands ) that incite the wild fires.
ReplyDeleteIt’s so sad. It must have been so awful for those in the fire’s path, with little to no time to escape. My daughter is on Oahu but she loved to spend time in Lahaina.
ReplyDeleteSo horrible. No words just prayers,
ReplyDeleteFires in Hawaii? Volcanoes yes, fires no! So sad to see those pics. Unbelievable! My son and his family had stayed there a few years ago. He can't believe that happened. They lived on Oahu, but loved visiting Maui. I too hope no more deaths are reported.
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who lost her home in a CA wildfire. She said it is a devastating loss --so little hope of salvaging anything. The pictures I have seen are horrific. It's all so sad.
ReplyDeleteWhile the fires in Maui were raging, the winds on Oahu were crazy strong. And no rain. There would be no way to stop a fire. Super scary and sad. Lahaina was a special place with old time charm.
ReplyDeleteDreadful - so much destruction. Nature taking her revenge on careless humans.
ReplyDeleteWe hope the banyan tree will endure as a symbol of everything that is passed and everything that we lost. It is very heavy for people who care to experience all of this. Bless you Ksy and your family. Let's keep the healthy heart fire burning in our homes.
ReplyDeleteI too am hoping the banyan tree survives. I also read that the dead they have found so far have been outside homes; they have not yet gone inside many residences, so I fear the worst. :-(
ReplyDeleteI am still processing this frightening and destructive event. I recall camping on Maui with my husband decades ago, so much natural beauty there. I hope the banyan tree survives as a symbol of hope for all.
ReplyDeleteSuch a tragedy. The description the people there spoke of, the fire raining down upon them from the winds carrying the flames. I'm sorry if that is strangely worded, but you know what I mean, I think. As a travel agent, I always told everyone to visit Lahaina when on Maui, it was a must see! And every single one always thanked me for telling them that! I pray for all those affected. x
ReplyDeleteIt's very hard to understand how this town could completely burn in a very short time. It should be a lesson to all of us. We've had the same thing happen here. There are some things we could do to protect ourselves but we're not doing it. I hope you stay safe.
ReplyDeleteI am brokenhearted over the loss of Lahaina, such a charming place full of beauty and history. The loss of life, culture and history is staggering; I went through the courthouse and talked with the people in front of it who shared Hawaiian history with me. I have a photo of myself in front of the banyan tree also and enjoyed the delights of Front street. I'm so very sorry for this tragedy, Kay.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry about this Kay. We have been following the news closely since it happened. I remember Lahaina well from our trip to Maui several years ago. The thought of the devastation and so many lives lost, it must have been horrifying for everyone. My heartfelt wishes for all, and for the banyan tree to survive as its symbol of hope.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to fathom how this could happen. One does not expect wild fires in Hawaii, but hot, dry weather has taken a terrible toll there too. The destruction and loss of life are unimaginable.
ReplyDeleteThat was nice to review your family photos in Lahaina. I've been 4 times, each time for 10 days. The beach and the town are just a magical break from the hectic life on the mainland. So many people and workers supported our visits there, and my son and his wife have been there too. We used the boat "Reel Luckey II" two different times to place my parents' ashes at sea. The Captain and his wife are okay, having been in Alaska, but their Lahaina home is gone. The two bright white boats you see at the end of the harbor pics are those boats. I wonder where the beautiful carving man is. He worked right across the corner from the banyan tree and we always purchased carvings from him. One was the god of Family Protection. I hope his family is okay. They will rebuild, and we'll be back when they're ready. Donation spot I chose was: www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong. It's just so sad and heartbreaking for my favorite spot in the whole world. I haven't seen how far north the fires traveled from LahainaTown.
ReplyDeleteDid the Old Lahaina Luau burn?: Did the resort near Black Rock and north of there burn? (Royal Lahaina Resort.) Linda in Kansas
I've read somewhere that the resorts were not impacted, but I don't know for sure. I understand that there are still fires burning and that all the fatalities are probably not found yet because they've only located the bodies that were outside of structures. I have friends in Wailuku and Kihei who have told me how awful it is.
ReplyDeleteVery sorry to hear this. We were in Maui many years back and loved Lahaina……praying the wildfires are under control and no more lives or property is lost. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
ReplyDeleteVery sad. It is scary to read about. I was afraid it was your island at first. Glad to know you are ok and no family affected.
ReplyDeleteIt is a tragedy.
ReplyDeleteI understand that the sirens were not activated quickly enough. The poor people. I simply cannot wrap my head around the pictures I am seeing.
ReplyDeleteSuch devastation.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with everyone affected.
All the best Jan