The Valley Isle, a favorite amongst visitors for decades, was devastated by a series of wildfires that began on Aug. 8, fueled by the high winds of Hurricane Dora and the island’s dry conditions. From Upcountry to Lahaina, the fires have ravaged communities, burned down more than 270 houses and businesses and unfortunately, have taken 36 lives so far with many more requiring medical assistance.
Lahaina, however, got it the worst. While details and information are still unclear, photos and video footage on the scene show only the smoldering remnants of the historic town. To stay up-to-date on this ever-changing situation, we have an updated news article live on our site. You can also follow the Star-Advertiser, Hawaiʻi News Now and the Maui County website.
About 4,000 visitors are being evacuated to Oʻahu, and Maui County is asking that no one travel to Maui for non-essential reasons in order to prioritize resources for residents. It is truly one of the toughest times for Maui and its residents—fortunately, you can help.
A number of local agencies and organizations are accepting donations to help the victims of these Maui wildfires. From national disaster response groups like The Salvation Army to the volunteer-run Maui Mutual Aid Fund, you can help make a difference and show your aloha to the island we all love so much by donating anything you can to these funds. For a list of reputable donation funds, visit our website here.
The severity of these fires cannot be understated. They truly have decimated large parts of Maui, and Lahaina will be forever changed. If you can, please donate. If you can’t donate, share this information with others and ask for their support. Maui needs help—your help, our help, everyone’s help—so let’s heed the call.
Posted by Kevin Allen
Editor of HAWAIʻI Magazine
How You Can Donate and Help Support Maui Communities Right Now
Donate to these reputable sources to help Maui fire victims.
The Salvation Army
Providing food and resources to those in need, The Salvation Army is accepting Maui donations on its Hawaiʻi site, hawaii.salvationarmy.org.
Maui Mutual Aid Fund
A local effort, the Maui Mutual Aid Fund is run by volunteers looking to get funds and support to vulnerable residents, such as kūpuna (elderly), those with physical disabilities, renters and individuals without insurance. Donations can be sent to bit.ly/mauimutualaide.
If you are a kamaʻāina in need, reach out to Maui Mutual Aid Fund at (650) 279-1662.
Maui United Way
Maui United Way has set up a Maui fire relief fund that will go directly to support Maui fire victims. Donate here.
Maui Strong Fund
Created by the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation to provide resources for disaster preparedness, response and recovery, the Maui Strong Fund is currently being used to help aid communities affected by the Maui Wildfires. You can donate online at its website, hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong, or you can send a check to Hawai‘i Community Foundation, 827 Fort Street Mall, Honolulu, HI, 96813. Make checks payable “Hawai‘i Community Foundation”.
Maui Humane Society
Unfortunately, it’s not just people affected by the fires, but pets too. The Maui Humane Society is asking for emergency foster homes for its animals to help make space for new displaced pets. Pet supplies, like wet and dry food, litter and pop-up kennels are also in need, and you can always donate funds on its website, mauihumanesociety.org.
Hawaiʻi Red Cross
A leader in disaster relief, the Hawaiʻi Red Cross is providing assistance and shelter to Maui fire victims and you can support them here.
Maui Food Bank
The Maui Food Bank is accepting both physical drop-off donations at various locations across Maui as well as online monetary donations on its website mauifoodbank.org/donate.
Maui Fires Relief Fund
Through the Rotary District 5000 Foundation, a relief fund has been established. Donations can be given here.
War Memorial Complex
Maui County has opened the Maui War Memorial Complex (700 Halia Nakoa St, Wailuku) as a donation drop-off center, and it will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. accepting non-perishable food, bottled water, hygiene items and blankets.
