#paddle out

“We don’t want anybody to be by themselves on days like this. We want them to be with their neighbors, their friends, their family, with us,” Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said.

The strength of community and the dedication of first responders were highlighted Friday on the two-year anniversary of the 2023 Maui wildfires at the Kuhinia Maui Midday Gathering on the front lawn of Kalana O Maui County building in Wailuku.

Special gatherings marking two years after the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires will offer residents opportunities to gather and support one another, honoring the memories of loved ones lost, and the resiliency of a community recovering from Hawai’i’s most devastating wildfire disaster. The events will pay tribute to the 102 victims and two unaccounted for individuals in the Maui wildfires.

In honor of the Maui wildfire remembrance of Aug. 8, The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas installed a Kapa Kuiki Quilt, in their hotel lobby. The 16 panels that make up the quilt, tell stories of the history of Lahaina in a design by artists of ʻohana o Pūnana Leo o Maui. The Westin Nanea obtained the Lahaina tribute quilt in an auction at the most recent Ho‘omau event and installed the piece of symbolism for public display on the one-year anniversary of the Maui wildfires.

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.

“It’s going to be a long process,” said Kā‘eo Blas, reflecting on one year since a fire burned down his home and much of Lahaina town. “Sometimes you think it gets better but it’s always there. It’s like losing somebody you love. You still get the memories, they’re still in your heart, but they’re not there. It’s not the same.”

As the one year mark since the deadly Aug. 8, 2023 wildfires is upon us, state and county leaders reflect upon the loss, recovery and vision for the future.

A number of special events marking one year after the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires will pay 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.

Hundreds gathered in waters off of Ukumehame on Friday to reflect and unite during a Paddle Out for Lahaina event, held one month after wildfires swept through Maui.

Paddle out events are planned on the one-month mark since Sept. 8, 2023. The first is at Kalama Park in Kīhei at 8 a.m. The event continues with a day of healing and togetherness through sunset. Another takes place at noon at Ukumehame in Lahaina. This event features a paddle out, boat line up and […]

Duke Kahanamoku Ocean Festival, together with Nā Kama Kai, invites the public to come together on Saturday, Aug. 19, for family and friends affected by the Lahaina fires with a community paddle out to “Queens” surf break in Waikīkī on Oʻahu.

The Surfrider Foundation Maui Chapter joins fellow environmental groups on Maui in a paddle out event on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 5, in celebration of clean water.

An estimated 100 Maui community members took to the ocean to raise awareness about climate change on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015, as part of the Global Climate March. The worldwide coordinated event was organized in support of climate justice and an end to carbon pollution.

Decorated with happy faces, and signed with a heart, the request read, “If I touched your heart and you have time to do this, I invite your to come… Wednesday morning 8 a.m.” Within 48 hours, the handwritten plea entitled “Surfers Wanted” went viral, with more than 100 people answering the call.