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The Maui Strong Fund – empowering communities to overcome adversity with vital resources for disaster preparedness, swift response, and resilient recovery. Join us in our mission to support and uplift the Maui community, currently addressing the urgent needs of those affected by the devastating wildfires. Together, we can build a stronger and more resilient Maui!
The devastating events on Maui have left many of our beloved businesses facing severe consequences, casting shadows over the livelihoods of countless families. While Maui Island begins its path to recovery, we can stand in solidarity with the wider Hawaiian community. Taking tours and engaging with businesses on the other islands not only offers a unique Hawaiian experience but also acts as a beacon of support during these challenging times. In unity, we can help bolster the spirit and economy of our cherished Hawaii.
In the face of adversity, the resilience and unity of the Maui community have never been more crucial. We believe in the power of coming together – both in offering assistance and seeking it. If you’re in need of transportation support or other immediate services, or if you’re searching for avenues to contribute and help our Maui ohana, this section provides essential information. Our combined efforts and shared aloha spirit will be the driving force that helps Maui rebound from these challenging times. Let’s stand united, ensuring that every individual finds the support they need and every helper finds a meaningful way to contribute.
In the wake of the Maui wildfire’s impact on the Lahaina community, Hawaii Tours responded with profound care for our Maui Ohana. Swiftly recognizing the urgency, we orchestrated a compassionate initiative to deliver essential food and beverage supplies to those directly affected by the disaster. This act of support transcended immediate relief, serving as a testament to our enduring commitment to the well-being and recovery of our Maui Ohana. Through this endeavor, we aimed to offer both solace and practical assistance during these trying times, reinforcing our deep-rooted bond with our fellow residents as they navigate the challenges arising from the wildfire’s aftermath. Our unwavering dedication to Maui fuels our determination to stand together and provide strength in times of adversity.
We would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our dedicated staff members who worked tirelessly to organize and execute this initiative, showcasing their unwavering commitment to supporting our beloved Maui Ohana. Furthermore, we’re immensely grateful to all those who have come forward, both directly and indirectly, to lend their hands and hearts to aid in Maui’s recovery. Your contributions, whether through time, resources, or support, have collectively made a significant impact. Together, we stand united in the spirit of compassion and resilience, embodying the true essence of community and togetherness. Thank you for being a part of this journey to uplift and restore our Maui community.
@hawaii.tours Help Hawaii Tours aid people in need: https://www.gofundme.com/f/transport-maui-aid-workers-deliver-supplies We are taking action to show our support and help those in need. We have been gathering supplies and donations to bring to the shelters for people in Lahaina, so they can be safe and secure during these uncertain times. #mauirelief #lahainarelief #MauiFires #mauistrong #hawaiitours ♬ What Was I Made For (Piano) - T I H H
@hawaii.tours Support our Ohana in need: https://www.gofundme.com/f/transport-maui-aid-workers-deliver-supplies These past couple of weeks our team has been working to get supplies and necessities to people around Lahaina. Our tour vehicles, managers, and drivers have turned into aid delivery drivers and organizers at distribution sites. There is still a great need to continue delivering supplies, moving evacuees to shelters & medical appointments, and aid workers to recovery sites. Please donate to our Go Fund Me page, so we can continue our good work and keep our employees and future ones working as we provide support transfer for Maui residents impacted by the fire and ground support for the movement of supplies and goods so it gets to those in need and transfer support for the Red Cross, FEMA, Maui Rapid Response Teams and so many others. #mauirelief #lahainarelief #lahaina #lahainafires #mauifires #hawaiitours ♬ original sound - Hawaii Tours
@hawaii.tours Support the Maui Ohana🌴: https://www.gofundme.com/f/transport-maui-aid-workers-deliver-supplies We all have a part to play in lifting each other up and that’s why Hawaii Tours is on a mission to spread love, care, and support throughout the island of Maui. Our tour vehicles, managers, and drivers have turned into aid delivery drivers and organizers at distribution sites. We've been sending vans full of supplies to locals who need help across the island. There is still a great need to continue delivering supplies, moving evacuees to shelters & medical appointments, and aid workers to recovery sites. Please donate to our Go Fund Me page, so we can continue our good work and provide support to Maui residents impacted by the fire and ground support for the movement of supplies and goods so it gets to those in need. #lahainarelief #mauirelief #mauireliefefforts #lahainafire #mauifires #lahainamaui #mauistrong #gofundme #hawaiitours ♬ original sound - Hawaii Tours
President Joe Biden said in a statement that the federal government has sent assistance to Hawaii as it continues with rescue efforts. As of Sunday morning, the fire is out. The Department of Transportation is working to evacuate the remaining visitors who were impacted by the fires or are staying in hotels that will be turned into temporary homes for displaced residents. The County of Maui has asked visitors to stay away from Lahaina, as roads into the town are closed except for emergency vehicles and those who have a reason to be there.
Since the true extent of the fire damage was revealed the challenge became keeping the survivors safe and sheltered. Power, water, and cell service are slowly being restored, so communication between Lahaina and the rest of the island has been difficult. Those in the northern areas like Kaanapali, Kahana, Napili, and Kapalua were totally unharmed from the fires, but our now suffering the consequences of power outages and dwindling supplies because of the road closures. The Maui community has stepped up to provide food, water, and much-needed supplies to the west side of the island, with many locals using boats and jet skis to go around the coastline and bring things in from the water. Planes and helicopters are also flying in with supplies for those in need.
After the sudden and destructive fire on August 8th completely leveled Lahaina, business owners and residents will need support to pick up the pieces of their vibrant community. Lahaina has long been a cherished place in Maui. As the former Hawaiian capital, it was the center of political power making its Historic District a National Historic Landmark. But along with the historical value of Lahaina, it was also a bustling town full of iconic restaurants, businesses, art galleries, and other establishments that have been pillars of the island for decades.
Beyond the crowded bars and souvenir shops, Lahaina boasted a one-of-a-kind charm that set it apart from anywhere else in Hawaii. The undeniable buzz that filled the air was the number-one attraction. When visiting Lahaina, you could indulge in world-class dining experiences, immerse yourself in the lively nightlife, and watch the sunset from the harbor. This compact and bustling town was a true gem, as well as the only full-featured, walkable “downtown” you’ll find on Maui.
With that now gone, and years of rebuilding ahead of us, we ask you for your support and understanding. Please give generously of your time and resources. Mahalo!
Let us also not forget that on that same day, hundreds of acres burned in Upcountry Maui, destroying many homes.
Lahaina area was severely impacted and this chart shows some of that breakdown.
This chart shows most of the buildings that were impacted by the fire. Most of the town was destroyed.
This infrared image from a satellite shows the hotspots where the Lahaina fire was actively burning at 10:25 PM on August 8th, 2023. You can see the large areas that are totally engulfed in flames. A line of flames is seen directly at the oceanside where the winds pushed them from the higher areas over just a few hours.
We canʻt forget about the other fire that started earlier in the day on the island of Maui. This fire started just after midnight and burned in steep terrain on the side of Haleakala.
There were multiple fires occurring across the island. Kula, Lahaina, Kihei & Kahului have all experienced fires within a couple days greatly hampering response and communication.
5:00 AM: Warning sent out that very dry fuels combined with strong and gusty easterly winds and low humidities will produce critical fire weather conditions through Tuesday night.
12:15 AM: Fire reported near Olinda Road in Kula, Upcountry Maui.
4:15 AM: High winds were reported and knocked out power in areas around Lahaina.
5:10 AM: Power was knocked out in Lower Lahaina and Front Street. 10 Minutes later other areas lost power.
6:37 – 6:42 AM: Small fire was reported in Lahaina, West Maui, with some evacuations ordered in the upper Lahaina area. Lahaina Bypass Road is blocked by officials. Lahainaluna neighborhood lost power and evacuations were ordered above Bypass road.
8:27 AM: Larger sections of the bypass are closed to traffic.
9:00 AM: Fire declared 100% contained.
10:16 AM: Lahaina fire was again declared 100% contained.
11:00 AM: Fire crews responding to Upcountry Maui fire (opposite side of the island to Lahaina). Wind gusts of 80 MPH were reported making helicopter use unsafe.
12:19 PM: Incredibly strong winds were recorded throughout the island. No indication of smoke or fires in the Lahaina area outside of the Lahainaluna area.
12:42 PM: Smoke and ash seen floating past Front Street in downtown Lahaina.
12:58 PM: Lahainaluna Road to Lahaina Bypass reopened.
1:00 PM: Keawe St to Lahaina Bypass closed. Honopiilani Hwy Traffic is jammed.
2:20 PM: Honopiilani Hwy closed in Lahaina at Paplaua to Lahainaluna Rd.
3:20 PM: Evacuations were ordered in upcountry Maui due to Kula fire.
3:30 PM: Lahaina fire flares up and jumps containment. Lahaina Bypass road is closed. Fleeing residents were forced to go through downtown Lahaina and onto Front Street. Houses reported being consumed in downtown Lahaina. Wharf Building in downtown Lahaina was closed and no people were in buildings in that area.
3:42 PM: Lahaina Rd And Lahaina Bypass Road closed due to a fire reported and downed electrical poles.
3:45 PM: Fire burning above Lahaina Bypass with only 1 tanker truck, 1 regular fire truck and 1 supervisor truck seen on site.
3:56 PM: Hawaiian Electric reports 12400 customers have lost power in West Maui from 30 downed poles.
4:00 PM: Propane tanks are reported exploding throughout Lahaina and smoke from Lahaina is seen from surrounding communities.
4:06 PM: Cell phone service in many areas are lost.
4:29 – 4:30 PM: Evacuations orders sent to inland Lahaina subdivisions. Residents begin evacuating on their own from Lahaina town. Cell phone services are lost in more areas.
4:33 PM: Residents in Lahaina are reported to be running from flames from all areas of Lahaina.
4:46 PM: Fire reaches Front Street. (Official reports say the fire only crossed Honopiilani Hwy.)
5:00 – 5:03 PM: Announcements made for sheltering in place. Families report being surrounded and stuck in downtown Lahaina. Honopiilani Hwy reopened to traffic after cars begin crossing barricades. Cell service in West Maui is totally lost. Down powerlines on Lahaina Bypass road cleared.
5:33 PM: Front Street buildings in Lahaina totally burned out and the fire is at the water edge.
5:45 PM: Coast Guard reports that people are in the water trying to escape the flames.
5:57 PM: General evacuations are in place for all of Lahaina and some Upcountry Maui areas.
6:00 PM: Mayor says to check the websites for updates on the fires. (power and cell service is still out for most of West Maui)
6:13 PM: Residents reported being surrounded by fire at various locations throughout Lahaina and unable to proceed.
7:00 PM: Cell service lost throughout the rest of West Maui.
8:14 PM: Lahaina-bound roads are closed at Maalaea, Kaanapali, and throughout Lahaina town.
8:40 – 8:41 PM: Keawe Street closed from Honopiilani Hwy to Lahaina Bypass. (this effectively cuts off use of bypass to leave Lahaina)
8:55 PM: All communication with West Maui is lost.
9:14 PM: Maui County says if residents are not in immediate danger they should shelter in place.
9:30 PM: A group of about 70 people sheltering behind the sea wall on Front Street was escorted on foot by the fire department to a nearby supermarket parking lot.
10:30 PM: The mayor issues an emergency proclamation.
12:21 AM: 911 service becomes unavailable in West Maui.
1:14 AM: Lahaina Civic Center evacuation site relocated to Maui Prep in Napili.
1:44 AM: MEMA (Maui Emergency Management Agency) sends evacuation notice for Lahaina.
3:58 AM: Full road closure into West Maui, except for emergency personnel.
Daytime: Fire reported near Kahului Airport, burning 30 acres.
6:17 PM: Relief efforts by Hawaii Tours teams begin to be organized. Guides, staff, and management organize resources and check on friends & family members at shelters that we canʻt reach by telephone.
Amid the unfolding wildfire crisis in Maui, the situation took a significant turn as the federal government granted approval for a disaster declaration in Hawaii. This pivotal decision marked a crucial step in addressing the challenges posed by the wildfire’s impact, allowing for increased support and resources to be directed toward mitigating the ongoing crisis.
7:30 AM: Access to West Maui is blocked. Still an active fire zone in Upcountry and West Maui.
11:00 AM: Hawai Tours teams are fanning out across the island visiting shelters in central and upcountry Maui to find emergency personnel to assist with relief efforts.
3:00 PM: Caravans of supplies organized for delivery the next day. Waiting for permission to cross roadblocks. Working with various emergency groups to provide transportation assistance.
7:30 AM: Guides in tour vehicles begin delivering residents and visitors to various locations on the island for medical, food, and other needs.
12:00 PM: First convoy of supplies by the Hawaii Tours team and other tour companies that we organized to help head to West Maui. Access to West Maui was opened to residents and those with hotel rooms.
2:00 PM: Planes of supplies are being unloaded at Kapalua airport in West Maui and moved to distribution centers by our tour vehicles.
3:00 PM: Hawaii Tours and our partners brought back people who were stranded in West Maui to the shelters and airport in Central Maui.
4:00 PM: Access to West Maui was restricted to authorized emergency personnel due to people entering restricted areas.
Additional Fire Area: Another fire area led to the evacuation of Kaanapali before being contained.
This day marked a grim milestone as the official death toll reached 89 victims, solidifying the ongoing wildfire as the deadliest in modern US history (last 100 years), casting a somber shadow over the affected community, and highlighting the unprecedented scale of devastation.
6:30 AM: Hawaii Tours management team participates in a planning meeting in West Maui with emergency personnel.
All Day: Multiple caravans of supplies are delivered to West Maui and evacuees are brought out of West Maui and brought to Kahului shelters and airport. Continued relief efforts by Hawaii Tours teams and our partner companies to provide transportation, supply delivery, and organizational support to the emergency teams in West Maui.
Morning: Only 3% of the impacted area has been searched for bodies.
7:30 AM: Hawaii Tours teams in all our Maui tour vehicles prepare to move supplies from planes, boats, and stores to distribution centers. The plan is to assist in organizing relief efforts helping to direct where supplies are needed and working with our partners to keep the areas stocked.
6:00 PM: The majority of the fires have been suppressed with spots still burning or smoldering. We are expecting the death toll to increase as areas are searched and additional remains recovered with the possibility of hundreds of victims still undiscovered.
@thenewsmovement Hawaii wildfires 2023 have led to the destruction of the town Lahaina, many deaths and thousands of evacuations. #hawaii #hawaiitiktok #maui #bigisland #lahaina #fires #wildfire ♬ original sound - The News Movement
Lahaina town, and especially Front Street were instantly recognizable to anyone who had visited Maui. Condensed into several square miles were some of the island’s best restaurants, bars, art galleries, and vendors. Lahaina was a place where you saw its royal past as the Hawaiian capital and modern present as a hub of tourism and commerce collide into an eclectic and beautiful oceanside community unlike anywhere else in the world.
On August 8th, the hills above Lahaina caught fire from what many believe was a downed power line, though the cause still hasn’t officially been determined. The fire spread quickly as the grasslands that surround Lahaina were dry from months of drought. Add to that powerful gusts of wind from passing Hurricane Dora, and what happened next was nothing short of a nightmare. Within hours the entire hillside caught fire and as first responders were overwhelmed by the flames they were powerless the stop the fire from ripping through Lahaina and burning the entire seaside town to the ground in a single night. The stories from that night are harrowing and unbelievable.
Looking at Lahaina now is difficult, but there are numerous drone shots, pictures from the ground, and videos taken from helicopters that show us the level of damage. Homes were burnt to their foundations, and countless cars lay twisted all over the roadway. The fire didn’t even stop at the water, as pictures show us the boats in the harbor that caught fire because of the embers being carried through the air by gusts of wind. Lahaina is almost unrecognizable, and the town that so many know and love has been changed forever. The amount of carnage caused by this wildfire is immense, and Lahaina will need the support of the islands and all those that love Hawaii to rebuild and recover.
We want to make sure that our visitors are taken care of as well. It can be difficult when you are away from your homes and stuck in a disaster area. You may get a lot of flack on social media when you are trying to get answers about how to get your belongings and other issues. We want to help you.
