With toes sinking into the warm sand and waves softly lapping the shore, the sunrise casts a golden glow over Black Rock while Lanai shimmers in the distance, the sky like a watercolor painting. This is my second visit to Maui since the devastating wildfire. While the scene is breathtaking, it carries the weight of recent heartache for the island’s residents. Their strength and the enduring spirit of aloha remain as powerful as ever.
The Lahaina wildfire: a historic tragedy
In August 2023, a catastrophic wildfire swept through Lahaina, devastating the historic town and displacing thousands of residents. Images of the tragedy were broadcast worldwide, but the ongoing efforts to rebuild and heal are less visible. Now, more than ever, visiting Maui is vital—to experience its beauty and help support the island’s recovery.
Returning to the island we love
Maui holds a special place in my family’s heart. Our boys first learned to surf here, and trips to Lahaina and Ka’anapali Beach have been part of our family’s story. Watching the fires consume Lahaina on the news felt like a personal loss—not just of a historic town but of memories tied to its streets and shores.
Determined to support the island’s recovery, we returned three months after the fire. We respected the locals’ grief and avoided the burn zone, mindful of the many residents displaced by the fires who continued working tirelessly in the hospitality industry. It was bittersweet but necessary to honor our connection to the island and contribute to its recovery.
The spirit of aloha endures
We reconnected with Jami and Jeni Balingit of Ali’I Maui Outrigger Canoes during our November visit. Their story is one of resilience and aloha. Bakingit started as an outrigger guide and grew his business after a generous client gift. The fire forced him and his family to flee, and it claimed the lives of loved ones and their homes. Yet, he continues sharing Maui’s history and warmth with visitors.
“The memories are hard, especially for the kids,” Balingit told us. “But seeing familiar faces like yours reminds us that people care.” Supporting local businesses directly helps families recover and rebuild.
Maui beyond the burn zone: what to see and do
Maui’s beauty remains undeniable, offering countless experiences despite the tragedy. From the windswept cliffs of Kapalua to the dramatic Nakalele Blowhole, nature’s wonders continue to inspire. The Road to Hana invites visitors to explore lush waterfalls and the iconic black sand beach at Wai’anapanapa State Park.
On this trip, we biked down Haleakalā Volcano with Maui Mountain Riders. Our guides, Nani Mendoza and Bobby Davis, shared firsthand accounts of the fires, describing the intense winds and the lack of resources that devastated the island. Mendoza, a Lahaina native, spoke of the cultural artifacts lost but emphasized the importance of moving forward: “Every visitor brings hope and keeps Maui alive.”
Why visiting Maui matters
Tourism drives nearly 70% of Maui’s economy. While the call to pause travel after the 2023 wildfire was necessary, the island now needs visitors to sustain local businesses and rebuild its economy. Visitors play a direct role in Maui’s recovery by staying at locally owned accommodations, dining at local food trucks, and booking experiences with family-run operations.
Lahaina’s rebuilding will take time. Debris has been cleared, new building permits have been approved, and the first family has moved into a rebuilt home. Even the beloved Banyan Tree, a symbol of Lahaina’s legacy, sprouts new leaves. Still, as Jami Balingit reminded us, “It’s the uncertainty that is so difficult.”
Be part of Maui’s resilience
The island’s enduring spirit shines through as rainbows, a sacred symbol of hope, stretch over West Maui. Visiting Maui is more than a vacation; it’s a chance to support its story of resilience. Despite the tragic fires, the people of Maui are determined to rebuild and thrive. Coming to the island, you help keep its spirit alive and contribute to a brighter future for this cherished destination.
