Maui wildfires one year later: Kuhinia Maui remembrance event photos

A number of special events marking one year after the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires takes place this week, paying tribute to the 102 victims and the two that remain missing. The events are designed to honor the resiliency of a community that has faced crisis and heartbreaking tragedy, and offer residents opportunities to gather in healing and shared support.

Kuhinia Maui gatherings continue at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 9, with the Aloha for Kūpuna Luncheon at Lahaina Civic Center and the Puana Aloha No Lahaina concert at 6 p.m., also at Lahaina Civic Center.

The series of remembrance events, presented as Kuhinia Maui, takes place Aug. 8-11, 2024.

Maui Paddle Out

Canoe paddlers, surfers, kayakers and swimmers throughout Maui gathered at Hanaka‘ō‘ō Beach Park for an emotional paddle-out ceremony marking one year after the devastating Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires that took 102 lives, left two unaccounted for and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses. Eventually growing to approximately 4,000 attendees, including about 1,000 participants who took to the ocean, the paddle out commemorated the losses suffered amid four fires that broke out last year. The community-inspired, County-supported gathering on Thursday kicked off nine “Kuhinia Maui: Week of Remembrance” events that continue through Sunday. More on this event is posted HERE.

Upcountry Aloha Luncheon

Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani was filled with residents from Kula and Olinda, areas first impacted by fires Aug. 8, 2023, along with other areas from around the island for the Upcountry Aloha Luncheon. The event, from 10 a.m. to about 2 p.m. on Thursday, was the second gathering of Kuhinia Maui. Kumu Cody Pueo Pata opened the Upcountry Aloha Luncheon, Shea Derrick performed music and Kaipo Thomas offered pule. Mayor Bissen, Gov. Green, Sen. Schatz, Sen. Hirono, Rep. Tokuda, US Army Corps of Engineers Col. Eric Swenson and Upcountry Council Member Yuki Lei Sugimura spoke during the event, which provided lunch for attendees. 

Mayor Bissen reflected  on the county’s commitment to residents. “I want you to know that the county is committed to continuing to serve you and helping you heal. I want to thank all the groups who came here to serve you. Please take advantage of these resources – especially today. And hold each other closer. Spend a little more time with one another.”

“It’s not just August 8^th that you have suffered, but the 364 days since then,” Bissen said.

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 the full listing of events, visit www.kuhiniamaui.org. For more information, email coordinator Daryl Fujiwara at aloha@kuhiniamaui.org.