Dear Maui

We reached out to members of our Hawai‘i community for messages of aloha to the people on the Valley Isle.

October 1, 2023

HONOLULU Magazine Team,

Shar Tui‘asoa, artist, @punkyaloha

Photo: Courtesy of Shar Tui‘asoa

I know, just watching from O‘ahu, the grief comes in waves, and in so many ways, we feel helpless to help you, our ‘ohana just an island away. What I’ve learned though is that sometimes our need to want to save the world feels overwhelming, and we have to be conscious about speaking over the leadership (kānaka maoli and generational families from Lahaina) on the ground. We can humble ourselves and listen. Your families are still grieving … I’m gutted. Devastated. I love you, Maui. I love you, Hawai‘i.

Leslie Garo, community organizer on Maui, @malama.yo.mama

Photo: Courtesy of Leslie Garo

As I journey through life, I often find a true Lahaina person, and the second we find out that we have Lahaina in common, the world stops for a bit because we acknowledge how special it is to us. This is what we need, to keep going … share, connect and take pride in where you come from and who you are. Carry the legacy, share the stories and pictures and display it all for everyone to see. The healing will be a long journey, but together, we can do it. It’s not just any community. It’s the Lahaina community. It’s the soul of Maui, the history of Maui and the heart of Maui.

Lan Chung, designer-owner of Fighting Eel, @fightingeel

Photo: Courtesy of Lan Chung

I’ve been to Lahaina many times and loved the historic charm of the iconic beach town. When the news about the fires hit, my heart sank. We immediately went into “we need to help” mode. As heartbreaking as the devastation is, the way Hawai‘i’s people come together and help one another is special. Proof is in all the stories of hope, resilience and love that have surfaced. It’s that unique aloha for one another, our community and our homes that will help Maui heal and thrive once again. As an individual and brand, our support will continue. The day will come when Lahaina, and its people, will be an even stronger version of the town I frequented.

Kamaka Dias, host of the Keep it Aloha podcast, @kamakadias8

Photo: Courtesy of Kamaka Dias

Just wanted to send you all so much love and support right here from your neighbor island. I’ve never been to Lahaina, but I just wanted to let you all know we are with you. Kūpa‘a mākou ma hope o ‘oukou (we stand firmly behind you). No matter if you’re from the Moku o Keawe (Hawai‘i Island), right here on O‘ahu or on Kaua‘i, in Hawai‘i, we’re one big ‘ohana, so we’ll do this together. ‘A‘ohe hana nui ke alu ‘ia, no task is too big when done together, so we’ll rebuild together, we’ll cry together, we’ll celebrate together, and we’ll come out of this stronger together. Mahalo.

View Instagram reel.

Current crew of Hōkūle‘a, @hokuleacrew

Photo: Courtesy of Hōkūle‘a Crew

We carry you with us today, and we are sending our aloha, and our pule, that for those of you who have lost, whether it’s family or homes or possessions that are beloved to you, that we are able to help you heal in that process and that the community will come together to support you as we build back to be stronger than ever. Know that as well that we are on this voyage for the Earth. We are also on this voyage for you, and our aloha and thoughts will be with you always.

Daniel Aipa, founder of The Kū Project, @thekuproject

Photo: Courtesy of Daniel Aipa

I want you to know that we are here for you. Please remember that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Lean on us whenever you need to talk, share, or simply find comfort. You have our support every step of the way as you heal and find your own path forward. Healing isn’t a linear path, but we are here to walk it with you and help you stand tall along the way. Sending you our aloha, mana, and a reminder that you are cared for and loved.

Etan Krupnick, Maui resident, @etankrupnick

Photo: Courtesy of Etan Krupnick

To me, losing Lahaina was like losing a child, my best friend, my mom, my dad, my brother, my sister, my wife. That’s how special Lahaina was to me. It’s hard, brah. It’s hard to think that Lahaina is gone right now, but you know what? You guys, our community, we’re all going to voice all together, yeah. We’re all gonna share a voice, and I dream of something, you know, and I know it’s gonna come true that we’re gonna make something so beautiful. We’re gonna do this, yeah, together. Collectively, collaborating. All one. One beautiful community. God bless you guys.

View Instagram reel.

Nina Rivers, farmer on her family’s 40-acre farm in Olinda, @moonandsaltfarmmaui

Photo: Courtesy of Nina Rivers

I keep coming back to the fact that all of Maui, especially Lahaina and Kula, is made up of a special type of person that is selfless, compassionate and gives to others even when they themselves have loss. We are relentless and all have such a big heart for our culture, and we take care of not only ourselves, but others.

I see a glimmer of a silver lining through this unimaginable heartache, as I witness our community come together and show compassion and care for others. Have hope knowing that there are neighbors and friends that will help us in our lowest low and not ask for anything in return.

We are seeing how the wisdom of our kūpuna is key to understanding how to move forward. Their knowledge is so powerful, we just need to sit with them, ask them their thoughts and opinions, and include them in decision-making. We will learn how to bridge the modern days—including the incredible power of social media—with the old ways of loving our neighbors. True richness will come to fruition if we embrace this bend in the road.