Kuhinia Maui wildfire remembrance events launch with ‘Paddle Out’

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Paddle Out kicks off Kuhinia Maui wildfire remembrance events. PC: Brian Perry (8.8.24)

Today marks one year since the devastating wildfires that impacted the Maui community. Starting today, Kuhinia Maui, with the County of Maui, hosts a series of events to pay tribute through a week of remembrance. These events are intended to honor those impacted and to provide a space for community members to come together for fellowship.

Today, the County hosts a “Paddle Out” and ocean gathering from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in waters off Hanaka‘ō‘ō Beach Park across from the Lahaina Civic Center. Shuttle details and drop-off instructions are posted at KuhiniaMaui.org. For air safety and to respect privacy, no drones are allowed. *Check back for Maui Now coverage of this event.

An “Upcountry Aloha Luncheon,” is also planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, at the Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani. This event provides a space for residents of Upcountry Maui to gather in recognition of community resiliency during and in the aftermath of the wildfires.

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The Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety will be honoring the lives lost during the Aug. 2023 wildfires with a moment of silence at 2:55 p.m. on Aug. 8, 2024. The moment of silence will last for 102 seconds in honor of the confirmed lives lost.

  • The Polynesian voyaging canoe, Hōkūleʻa was off shore of Hanakaʻōʻō this morning in preparation for the Paddle Out event being held in remembrance of the Maui wildfires one year ago today. PC: Brian Perry (8.8.24)
  • Paddle Out kicks off Kuhinia Maui wildfire remembrance events. PC: Brian Perry (8.8.24)
  • Paddle Out at Hanakaʻōʻō Beach Park in West Maui kicks off Kuhinia Maui wildfire remembrance events. PC: Brian Perry (8.8.24)
  • Buses are shuttling participants to the Paddle Out event at Hanakaʻōʻō Beach Park as part of the Kuhinia Maui wildfire remembrance events. PC: Brian Perry (8.8.24)
  • Kuhinia Maui, Remembrance Rides, July 26-28, 2024. PC: County of Maui
  • Kuhinia Maui, Remembrance Rides, July 26-28, 2024. PC: County of Maui
  • Kuhinia Maui, Remembrance Rides, July 26-28, 2024. PC: County of Maui

The series of remembrance events, presented as Kuhinia Maui, will take place Aug. 8 – 11, 2024.

“Kuhinia Maui takes its name from a line in a traditional Maui chant that proudly speaks of the unequaled beauty and richness of Maui, highlighting that Maui and its people will rebound from tragedy,” Mayor Richard Bissen said. “Our community is strongest when we’re able to support each other, and I’m grateful for those involved who are helping to put together a remarkable number of gatherings that will give our community a chance to be among each other in care and aloha during a week of remembrance. I’m pleased that the County is able to offer support for these community-driven events.”

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Information is available at https://www.KuhiniaMaui.org. The website will be updated regularly and signing up for text notifications is encouraged. 

The scheduled events are subject to change.

Thursday, Aug. 8 

  • Paddle Out
    • An ocean gathering off the shores of Hanaka‘ō‘ōBeach Park. Due to limited parking and public safety needs, equipment drop-off with shuttle use from Lahaina Civic Center is required. Shuttle details and Hanaka‘ō‘ō drop-off instructions to be posted on https://www.KuhiniaMaui.org website.
    • 9 a.m. –  Hanaka‘ō‘ō Beach Park, Lahaina
  • Upcountry Aloha Luncheon
    • For residents of Upcountry Maui to gather in recognition of community resiliency during and in the aftermath of the August 8thwildfire that impacted Upcountry.
    • 10 a.m. – Hannibal Tavares Community Center, Pukalani
  • One-Year Tribute and Remembrance
    • A community gathering in reverence of loved ones who perished in the August 8th tragedy. Out of respect for the community’s request for sensitivity and dignity, this event is not for media attendance. 
    • 5 p.m. – Lahaina Civic Center

Friday, Aug. 9

  • Aloha for Kūpuna of Lahaina
    • Kūpuna are a cherished anchor of the community. The gathering brings kūpuna of Lahaina together to enjoy camaraderie and time to talk story. Sign-up required for participation; please visit https://www.KuhiniaMaui.org for more information.
    • 9 a.m. – Lahaina Civic Center
  • Puana Aloha No Lahaina
    • Paying tribute through music, this event brings together entertainers including Lahaina musicians to perform traditional and contemporary songs of Lahaina.
    • 6 p.m. – Lahaina Civic Center

Saturday, Aug. 10

  • Kamehameha Schools, Kapālama student performance of Ka Malu ‘Ulu o Lele
    • Kamehameha School Kapālama students return to Maui in an encore performance of their live stage production of Ka Malu `Ulu o Lele: The Shaded Breadfruit Grove of Lele. Over 100 sixth-  graders traveling from the school’s Oʻahu campus will perform in the student-led show that tells the history of Lahaina’s legacy from revered ali`i to modern-day aloha ‘āina champions. 
    • 1 p.m. – Baldwin High School, Auditorium
  • Lahaina Obon Festival
    • To give the community the annual tradition of Obon despite the loss of their temples, Lahaina Hongwanji Mission, Lahaina Jodo Mission and Lahaina Shingon Mission have combined efforts to host a special Obon Festival event that honors ancestors through traditional Japanese dance and music.
    • 5 p.m. – To be announced

Sunday, Aug. 11

  • A Day of Hope and Prayer:
    • Led by faith leaders of churches and temples that were lost in the fire, this interfaith gathering brings forward hope as recovery efforts continue. A worldwide moment of silence will be held at noon.
    • 10 a.m. – Lahaina Civic Center
  • Upcountry Aloha
    • To give aid to farm and ranch animals in danger of the wildfire, Oskie Rice Arena opened its grounds to give safe shelter in the midst of the crisis impacting Upcountry Maui. This special event will welcome Upcountry residents to gather and share in an evening that honors community  resilience and spirit. 
    • 5 p.m. – Oskie Rice Arena, Makawao

For more information, email coordinator Daryl Fujiwara at aloha@kuhiniamaui.org.

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