Woke up to some devastating news about a very special place …
Lahaina Town used to be such a kick. An old whaler’s village with all kinds of vendors and a giant banyan tree. Over the years I’m sure it’s probably gotten be an expensive tourist trap but still, what a blow.
In case you’ve missed the news, much of the Hawaiian island of Maui is on fire with Lahaina Town seeming to get the worst of it.
Saying nothing in particular 
I just read the news, Jan–so incredibly sad. Gorgeous photo of you and the family.
Thanks Mary – of course that was long ago. There are a couple of towns on the islands that have that old Hawaii feel but Lahaina Town was definitely the most special (at least for me).
That’s awful.
It sounds like it was a wonderful place…
😰
I’m glad I visited when I did – I doubt they’ll be able to rebuild it as it was. That’s the truly sad thing.
I’m so sorry. That’s terrible.
It is – and the news only seems to be getting worse.
Absolutely love the photo, Jan!
Sad mews about Kaanapali Beach and Lahaina Town. Is there any chance they will survive, or has the worst already happened to them?
Oops, I missed the part where you said they seem to be getting the worst of it. So sorry.
Yup, sounds like it’s just a memory now.
That’s a real shame.
T’is.
Oh! How awful , the world’s burning 💜💜
It’s awful, and it’s seemingly everywhere.
I know! It used to be people moved to places like Hawaii and Alaska to get away but recent events have proven there really is no escaping. Maybe Cornwall?
I’m not sure anywhere can be guaranteed safe. Last year we saw quite a few wildfires, which we would normally never get.
I heard the news today. My heart goes out to those affected and those who have lost their lives.
Me too. Native Hawaiians are very family oriented and so I’m sure they will adapt but the cultural significance of the town may be lost forever.
I’ve been to Lahaina Town a couple of times and have been watching the news horrified. Hawaii is a treasure and to see this kind of destruction in real time is difficult. My heart goes out to the residents there.
There was an article in the SF Trib about how all of the abandoned plantations helped fuel the fire. Once all the sugar and pineapple farmers moved elsewhere (somewhere cheaper) non native and flammable brush grew over that land unchecked. I certainly hope that’s a wake up call for all the islands.
Jan, I have heard of many Coast Guard rescues from people running into the water to escape. So sad.
The town was on a harbor so there really wasn’t much of a beach and it was an old town with buildings all crowded together – it must have been hell on earth.
It is a devastating happening. I’m sure your experience and memories make it all that much worse.
I’m so sad for all who have lost everything.
The planet seems to have a lot of tragic events these days.
It sure does.
We went to Maui in 2021, and really enjoyed Lahaina. Yes, it was crowded and touristy, and the area around that magnificent Banyan tree seemed a little seedy, but the history of those old buildings and the harbor were wonderful. I know they will rebuild, but it will not (and should not) be the same as it was. Just heartbreaking for the people who live there, for the lives lost, for the homes and businesses and livelihoods lost. Just heartbreaking. Selfishly, I’m glad that I had the chance to experience it.
I heard that they had a large homeless population which was surprising to me. It’s fairly far from the airport and it wasn’t that large a town. But that was many years ago.
It’s not selfish. Just lucky.
Hi Jan, a lovely post. I did hear about this tragedy.
Yeah, unfortunately it keeps getting worse.