MAUI WILDFIRES
The history of Lahaina, the historic town destroyed by the Hawaiian wildfires
Wildfires on Hawaii’s second largest island Maui have killed at least 36 people and devastated the famous town.
The ongoing wildfires on the Hawaiian islands of Maui and Big Island killed at least 36 overnight. Firefighting teams are grappling with the flames, which are being exacerbated by powerful winds originating from Hurricane Dora, situated hundreds of miles away from the coastline.
Alongside the risk to life, famous towns have been laid low by the powerful blaze. Lahaina, one of the oldest towns on the island, has been completely destroyed.
12,000 people have lost their homes.
Brian Schatz, a US senator from the state, said on social media that Lahaina is “almost totally burnt to the ground”.
“Firefighters are still trying to get the fires under control, and our first responders are in search and rescue mode,” Mr Schatz said.
The importance of Lahaina to Hawaii
Lahaina has a prominent place in Hawaiian history and culture. It was a significant area for Hawaiian royalty and a gathering place for chiefs with the town’s name, “Lāhainā,” means “cruel sun” in Hawaiian, likely referring to the town’s sunny and dry climate.
One of the most pivotal periods in Lahaina’s history was during the 19th century when it became the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1820 to 1845. During this time both Great Britain, the world hegemon, and France gave diplomatic recognition of the islands which should have secured its independence for good.
It was a hub for the whaling industry as American and European whaling ships would stop in the town for supplies and repairs.
The capital of the kingdom was moved to Honolulu in 1845 though Lahaina continued to be a center of commerce and trade in the region. The sugar industry, along with pineapple cultivation, became key economic activities as whaling declined later in the century.
Before the wildfires Lahaina was a bustling tourist destination, with famous beaches alongside it’s well-kept old town.
However, with the fire ripping through the whole town it remains to be seen what the future of Lahaina holds.