Hopeful, unifying paddle-out marks 2nd anniversary of Maui wildfires

Nearly 1,000 people came together the morning of Aug. 8 — hearts heavy but hopeful — to mark the second anniversary of the Maui wildfires with an emotional, vibrant paddle-out off Hanaka‘ō‘ō Beach Park in Lahaina.

The ceremony and accompanying event had more than 500 participants on shore and about 350 in the water. It was a powerful tribute to the lives lost 2 years ago and show of the shared strength of Maui’s residents.

Wildfires on Aug. 8, 2023, tragically claimed 102 lives, left two unaccounted for and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses in Lahaina and Upcountry Maui. The Lahaina fire alone was one of the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history.

The atmosphere Friday morning flowed with deep reflection and hope.

As Maui continues its journey of recovery, the paddle-out stood as a testament to remembrance, togetherness and the collective aloha that gives the Valley Isle its unique identity.

Maui County Councilwoman Tamara Paltin, chairwoman of the council’s Disaster Recovery, International Affairs and Planning Committee and whose district covers West Maui, emphasized during the paddle-out’s opening ceremony the importance of being together amid grief and hardship.

“We wanted to make sure nobody felt alone,” Paltin said in a Maui County release following Friday’s emotional event. “We know that every day is a struggle — some days more, some days less.”

But there are many signs of hope.

“This is a horrible thing that happened, but already I see that the pilina people are making with each other and with the ‘āina — it’s getting stronger,” Paltin said.

Lahaina Strong community group spokesperson Paele Kiakona echoed similar sentiments during the opening ceremony.

“I’m not happy this happened to us, but I’m happy that it didn’t happen to anybody else — because I know this town, this community, this people is so strong and they’re willing to fight for one another, stand up and be there,” Kiakona said, according to the county release. “That’s what today is; it’s a reminder of that.”

Flowers were scattered over the paddle-out by Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and homing pigeons were released onshore.

Maui County Department of ʻŌiwi Resources Director and kumu Kapono‘ai Molitau led a heartfelt pule, Alakaʻi Paleka served as emcee and music was provided by Nā Leo Pilimehana.

Food was donated by West Maui resorts, and shuttles were provided to and from the Lahaina Civic Center throughout the event from 9:30 a.m. to about noon.

The paddle-out event and ceremony also marked the start of Kuhinia Maui wildfire anniversary tribute activities, which included a midday gathering in Central Maui and an evening tribute in West Maui.

These gatherings are led by community members with support from Maui County and honor lost loved ones while celebrating resilience.

Named after a line from a traditional Maui chant, Kuhinia Maui reflects the island’s beauty and spirit to rise from tragedy.

Visit the Kuhinia Maui website for additional information.