Kahikinui fire revised to 330 acres; 80% contained

Kahikinui fire 80% contained; revised to 330 acres burned
Update: 8:07 a.m., June 16, 2025

The size of the Kahikinui brush fire has been revised downward from the previous estimate of 500 acres to 330 acres after Air One flew the perimeter of the burn area with a flight tracker. Fire officials say the remote, challenging terrain does not support walking and acreage estimates have varied.

Currently, smoldering fire conditions continue throughout the burn area. Fire officials say the Kahikinui blaze was 80% contained as of 8 a.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025.

The fire was first reported on Sunday morning in a remote area near Mile 24 and 25 of the Piʻilani Highway.

Overnight, Maui Police Department drone flights showed hotspots throughout the fire area within the dozer line. No nighttime flare-ups occurred, MFD said. No injuries or structural damages have been reported.

King Kekaulike High School gymnasium shelter closed at 6:45 a.m. today due to a summer school program and the Kēōkea Community Center opened at 7 a.m. today as a new shelter location.

Evacuation orders remain in effect today after initial orders were issued on Sunday by the Maui Emergency Management Agency. The order is for Kahikinui homes near Mile Marker 24 and 25. There are approximately 105 Kahikinui homestead lots in the area.

The Maui Fire Department has multiple engines and tankers, along with Air One, addressing the fire today in steep, challenging, hard-to-access terrain. County Department of Public Works’ tankers, dozers and fuel trucks were en route early this morning. Twenty to 30 State Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife personnel are on scene, along with private dozers and personnel, according to a County of Maui news release update.

The public can expect road closures on Pi’ilani Highway from Mile Marker 20 to 41 due to ongoing firefighting efforts.

The pubic can sign up for Genasys Protect and MEMA Alerts at www.mauicounty.gov/MEMA.

Piʻilani Hwy at Mile 27.5 is now open
Update: 7:51 p.m., June 15, 2025

Piʻilani Hwy at Mile 27.5 is now open in both directions.

Kahikinui fire now 500 acres; Emergency Proclamations issued by county and state
Update: 7 p.m., June 15, 2025

The Kahikinui brush fire mauka of the highway near Mile Marker 24 and 25 is now estimated at approximately 500 acres as of 7 p.m. today, June 15, 2025, due to improved mapping, according to County of Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety.

Containment percentage has not yet been determined. No injuries or structural damages have been reported.

Mayor Richard Bissen signed an Emergency Proclamation at 5:45 p.m. in response to the ongoing fire, which authorizes the County to access federal assistance programs for individuals and public infrastructure, including funds for emergency response efforts to ensure continued and effective countywide response. 

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, serving as acting governor, signed an Emergency Proclamation at 6:08 p.m. in response to the Kahikinui fire. This proclamation authorizes the Adjutant General to activate the Hawai‘i National Guard to deploy state resources as needed to aid in fire suppression and protect public health and safety, property and natural resources. It also suspends laws that might impede or delay the execution of emergency functions.

The American Red Cross opened a shelter at 5:30 p.m. at King Kekaulike High School gymnasium. Motorists accessing the shelter should do so via Haleakalā Highway. Shelter evacuees should bring chairs, go bags and other necessities. Snacks and water will be provided.

Evacuation orders were issued by Maui Emergency Management Agency for homes near Miles 24 and 25 due to the fast-moving brush fire, fueled by strong winds.

There are approximately 105 Kahikinui homestead lots in the area, according to a County of Maui news release. Maui Police Department and MFD conducted door-to-door evacuations. Also, evacuation orders were sent around 11 a.m. through the new Genasys Protect app and MEMA alerts and later with an island-wide Wireless Emergency Alert.

MFD resources, along with private contractors, will remain overnight to continue firefighting efforts. During the day, six MFD engine companies, three minis, four air assets, two tankers and emergency callback personnel responded, along with resources from County Department of Public Works, state and private contractors.

A road closure remains in place on Pi’ilani Highway from Mile 20 to 41.

Kahikinui fire grows to 200 acres; shelter being set up at King Kekaulike HS
Update: 3:30 p.m., June 15, 2025

The Kahikinui brush fire grew up to 200 acres mauka of the highway between Mile Marker 24 and 25 and is currently moving upslope and westward in challenging terrain, according to the Maui Fire Department. Containment estimates are not available at this time. No injuries or structural damages have been reported.

The American Red Cross is setting up a shelter at King Kekaulike High School gymnasium, which will open at 5:30 p.m. this evening. Motorists can enter via Haleakalā Highway. Guests should bring chairs, go bags and other necessities. Snacks and water will be provided.

A temporary evacuation point through American Red Cross is currently located near Grandma’s Coffee House, at 9232 Kula Highway. American Red Cross will close the temporary evacuation point at 4:30 p.m. and transition to shelter prep at King Kekaulike High School gymnasium.

Evacuation orders were issued by Maui Emergency Management Agency for 30 to 40 homes near Mile Marker 24 and 25 of Kahikinui due to a mid-morning brush fire being fueled by strong winds. The evacuation orders were issued around 11 a.m. through the new Genasys Protect app and MEMA alerts, as well as door-to-door evacuations by Maui Police Department and County of Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety and an island-wide Wireless Emergency Alert. 

There is also a road closure on Pi’ilani Highway from Mile Marker 20 to 41.

Six MFD engine companies, three minis, four air assets, two tankers and emergency callback personnel are on scene, along with resources from state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, County Department of Public Works, Haleakalā Ranch, Goodfellows and Alpha. Additional state, county and private resources are on standby.

MEMA’s Emergency Operations Center went into partial activation as of midday.  

The public is invited to sign up for Genasys Protect and MEMA Alerts at www.mauicounty.gov/MEMA and follow County of Maui and MEMA on Facebook and Instagram.

Evacuation point set up; 30-40 homes included in evacuation order
Update: 1:30 p.m., June 15, 2025

Evacuation orders were issued by Maui Emergency Management Agency for 30 to 40 homes near Mile 24 and 25 in Kahikinui due to a mid-morning brush fire being fueled by strong winds today, June 15, 2025. The evacuation orders were issued around 11 a.m. through the new Genasys Protect app and MEMA alerts, as well as door-to-door evacuations by emergency officials and an island-wide Wireless Emergency Alert. 

A temporary evacuation point has been established through the American Red Cross, and is located near Grandma’s Coffee House, 9232 Kula Highway, has been set up as of 1:30 p.m.

The Pi’ilani Highway is also closed from Mile Marker 20 to 41.

The Kahikinui has burned up to 20 acres mauka of the highway since it was first reported at 9:54 a.m.  Maui Fire Department officials say the blaze was moving upslope in challenging terrain. Containment estimates are not available at this time. No injuries or structural damages have been reported at this time.

Four MFD engine companies, three minis, three air assets and two tankers are on scene, along with resources from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, County Department of Public Works, Haleakalā Ranch, Goodfellows and Alpha. Additional state, county and private resources are on standby. 

MEMA’s Emergency Operations Center went into partial activation as of midday.  

The public can sign up for Genasys Protect and MEMA Alerts at www.mauicounty.gov/MEMA and follow County of Maui and MEMA on Facebook and Instagram.

Evacuations ordered during Kahikinui brush fire
Update: 11:56 a.m., June 15, 2025

Evacuation orders were issued by Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for residents near Mile Marker 24 and 25 of Kahikinui due to a mid-morning brush fire being fueled by strong winds today, June 15, 2025.

Residents are being told to head makai of the highway for evacuations. The evacuation orders were issued around 11 a.m. through the new Genasys Protect app and MEMA alerts, as well as door-to-door evacuations by emergency officials. 

Reported at 9:54 a.m., the Kahikinui brush fire is estimated to be up to 20 acres mauka of the highway and currently moving upslope, according to County of Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety (MFD). There is no containment at this time.

Three engine companies, three minis, two tankers, battalion chief and Air One are responding. Air Two and Three are en route, along with two additional fire crews. Public Works tankers and heavy equipment from private contractors are also en route, according to MFD.

Evacuations ordered in Kahikinui near Mile 24
Update: 11:18 a.m., June 15, 2025

There is an active brush fire in Kahikinui near Maile 24-25. Emergency officials have issued an evacuation order. All individuals on the mauka (mountain-side) of the highway in the area should evacuation. MEMA authorities are calling for evacuating individuals to head makai (ocean) of the highway for evacuations. Crews on scene are reporting strong winds. The fire was first reported at 9:54 a.m. and had already burned 16-20 acres at last report.

Kahikinui brush fire grows to 16-20 acres
Update: 10:38 a.m., June 15, 2025

A brush fire in Kahikinui in East Maui has burned 16-20 acres since it was first reported at 9:54 a.m. near Mile 24. Currently, there are no evacuation orders in place; however, the Maui Emergency Management Agency advises if you need extra time, prepare to go now. Smoke may pose a health risk. The public is advised to follow instructions from officials and stay informed.

Active brush fire in Kahikinui near Mile 24
Update: 10:10 a.m., June 15, 2025

There is an active brush fire in the area of Mile 24 & 25 in Kahikinui. First responders are on scene. Motorists are asked to avoid the area to allow crews to work. No action is needed at this time. The Maui Emergency Management Agency continues to monitor the situation and will provide additional information as it becomes available.