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As feared, Lahaina is essentially demolished. Lahaina looks more like a war zone that the beautiful, historic town that residents and visitors knew and loved. It’s unrecognizable. To visualize this tragic situation, see this slideshow from The Maui News.
So many residents have lost their homes and places of employment. Tragically, 36 people have been confirmed dead in this disaster.
Approximately 13,000 Lahaina residents have been displaced. To be sure, it is devastating — especially to an island community where there are limited resources.
As we mentioned yesterday, non-essential travel to Maui is discouraged per the Hawaii officials. With thousands of residents displaced on an island, you can see how all available resources need to be allocated to assist those affected.
If you have immediate travel plans to Maui, we encourage you to review this travel alert from the Hawaii Tourism Authority. We advise you to reach out to your travel agent, your airline and your accommodation to determine your options to delay or divert your travel. Please note that all the other islands — Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai and Hawaii (Big) Island are welcoming visitors.
Should you wish to help residents affected by the fires, the County of Maui recommends the Hawaii Community Foundation and the Maui United Way. Please read this bulletin from the County of Maui. We’ve personally donated through Hawaii Life as they are matching donations to Hawaii Community Foundation up to $50,000.
The post Lahaina, Maui is devestated. Non-essential travel to Maui discouraged. appeared first on Go Visit Hawaii.
