Let’s Show Maui Some Love
Much of Lāhainā has been destroyed by wildfires, and there’s ways we can help.
I haven’t been able to full process what’s happening on Maui.
How could a wildfire — not an uncommon occurrence in Hawaiʻi — ravaged an entire town overnight? It just doesn’t seem possible.
And yet, it’s two days later, and more than 50 people are confirmed dead, that number expected to rise as thousands are still missing.
Thousands are missing.
The entire coastal town of Lāhainā — and all of its historic and cultural sites — are gone. Wiped out. Just like that.
I have always loved Maui. We travel there often, mostly to visit friends, but often to check out new restaurants and bakeries. (Its culinary scene, while not as big or diverse as Honolulu’s, is arguably on par.) I had my favorites — T. Komodo Store & Bakery (stick doughnuts, cream puffs), Sam Sato’s (dry mein), Tin Roof (anything) — and a bunch I had wanted to try, including Papaʻaina in the historic Pioneer Inn run by my friend “Top Chef” alum Lee Anne Wong.
The hotel — and her restaurant — burned down in the fire.
“Lāhainā Town is gone,” she texted me on Wednesday morning, before any of us had seen the aerial footage of the devastation.
“Seriously?!?”
“I’m in shock and still trying to connect with staff.”
We immediately texted everyone we knew on Maui — though cell service has been unreliable and Lāhainā is still without power and water — and checked social media for updates.
The news came slowly. But when it did, it was torrential.
Here are some of the heartbreaking losses:
The historic Pioneer Inn, operated now by Best Western, built in 1901, along with the restaurant Papaʻaina.
Lāhainā Inn, established in 1938, and its beloved restaurant Lāhainā Grill.
Waiola Church (formerly Waineʻe Church), founded in 1823 by Queen Keōpūolani. The cemetery had the graves of Hawaiian monarchs, including Queen Keōpūolani, wife of Kamehameha I and mother of Kamehameha II and III; King Kaumualiʻi, the last king of Kauaʻi; and High Chief Ulumāheihei Hoapili, a general and trusted friend of Kamehameha I.
The Baldwin Home Museum, the oldest structure on Maui, built between 1834 and 1835.
Fleetwood’s on Front Street, a popular restaurant owned by longtime Maui resident Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood.
Pacificʻo on the Beach and Sale Pepe Pizzeria e Cucina, both run by Michele and Qiana Di Bari.
Māla Ocean Tavern, the last place I ate on Maui.
So what can we do, especially those of us not on Maui?
A lot, actually.
First, don’t travel there. The state is asking that visitors cancel or postpone nonessential trips to the Valley Isle.
Second, donate. Find reputable organizations who are helping victims of the fires. I recommend the following:
Hawaiʻi Red Cross (click on “Hawaiʻi Wildfires”): Providing assistance and shelter to Maui fire victims.
Maui Food Bank: Collecting and distributing food to help the hungry in Maui County.
Maui Humane Society: Supporting shelters for displaced people and animals and caring for injured animals.
Maui Mutual Aid: Providing support to vulnerable residents, such as kūpuna, those with physical disabilities, and renters and individuals without insurance.
The Salvation Army: Providing food and resources for evacuees.
Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund: Focusing on rapid response.
Maui United Way: Providing direct relief to families and nonprofits on Maui.
World Central Kitchen: Providing meals to people in need by partnering with local organizations.
There are GoFundMe pages set up for certain restaurants and individuals, including the employees of Papaʻaina and Lāhainā Grill. (Just be sure you’re donating to actual victims.)
Third, support local businesses that are donating to relief efforts on Maui. Here are a few:
A Cake Life is donated 100% of sales of its Aloha Sugar Cookies ($7.50 each). Order online.
The Pig and the Lady are donating 100% of sales from its collab dinner on Aug. 18 to Chef Hui and the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund. Buy tickets here.
Big Island Cookies is donating 100% of proceeds from sales of three-pack Big Island Crunch Bars, now through Aug. 13 at both Hilo and Ala Moana Center stores and online. Buy here.
Sticky Fingers Snacks is donating 100% of proceeds from online sales now through Aug. 13 to the Maui Humane Society. Order here.
Da Shop: Books & Curiosities is donating 100% of proceeds from sales all weekend — including online — to the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund. Order here.
Ethel’s Grill is donating 100% of proceeds from sales of its $10 bento bowls and baked goods on Saturday, Aug. 12 from 8 a.m. until sold out. Details here.
Ten Tomorrow is donating proceeds from its Daily Whisk Matcha stand through the weekend to Hawaiʻi Red Cross, Maui United Way and the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation. Details here.
Oh My Grill is donating 100% of sales from catering orders now through Aug. 13 to the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund. Details here.
Kō Hana Rum is donating 100% of sales from its tours to the American Red Cross. Book your tour here.
Sig Zane is donating all proceeds from purchases made Friday online and in store at all of its locations to three organizations supporting Maui recovery efforts. Details here.
Laulima Hawaiʻi is donating proceeds from online sales of its merchandise ordered until midnight Friday. Order here.
Fourth — and maybe most importantly — hug someone. Appreciate what you have. Give when you can. Play with your kids. Call your friends. Talk to your parents. Let go of grudges. Go for a walk. Smile at a stranger. Hold the door open. Listen. Help.
Kindness begets kindness.
xoxo,
CTF