The deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century devastated the Hawaiian island of Maui in August 2023, claiming 102 lives and leveling the historic town of Lahaina, according to Maui County officials.
Amid tragedy, the immediate and generous support from donors played a pivotal role in alleviating the suffering. Donors’ gifts enabled the timely delivery of aid to 27,178 people within the first year alone. Throughout the months that followed, hope endured for so many affected families grappling with unimaginable loss and displacement. As we move beyond the one-year mark, our commitment to Maui’s recovery remains steadfast, with plans to expand our efforts into 2025.
Maui wildfires: Facts, FAQs, and how to help
- Fast facts: Maui wildfires
- What caused the wildfires in Maui?
- What was destroyed by the wildfires in Maui?
- How is World Vision responding to Maui’s wildfires?
- How can I help children and families impacted by the Maui wildfires?
Fast facts: Maui wildfires
- The 2023 Maui fire ranks among the top 10 deadliest U.S. wildfires on record since 1871 and is the deadliest natural disaster in Hawaii’s history, surpassing the deadly tsunami in 1960.
- Authorities identified the last of the 102 confirmed victims in June 2024, with two additional people remaining unaccounted for.
- Federal officials estimated damages at $5.5 billion, with over 2,200 structures destroyed.
- Hurricane Dora, a Category 4 storm, generated high winds on the islands on August 8 and fueled at least three fires on Maui.
- Lahaina, the former royal capital of Hawaii and prominent tourist spot, “is gone,” said Mark Gudmunson, senior pastor of Pukalani Community Church of the Nazarene in Pukalani, Hawaii.
What caused the wildfires in Maui?
An investigation continues to determine the exact cause of the wildfires. According to Maui County Fire Chief Brad Ventura, high winds fueled multiple fires that ignited shortly after midnight on August 8, 2023. Ventura reported wind gusts reaching 60 mph during the Lahaina fire. A dry summer, low humidity, and strong winds from passing Hurricane Dora exacerbated the fires, rapidly spreading through the island’s parched growth and consuming homes and buildings.
On August 8, the National Weather Service in Honolulu issued a red flag alert for “high fire danger with rapid spread,” advising residents to secure their property and anticipate power outages and difficult travel. An ongoing investigation aims to determine the exact cause of the wildfires.
What was destroyed by the wildfires in Maui?
The blaze devoured the major tourist spot of Lahaina on the island’s western shore. It destroyed hundreds of area homes and businesses. In addition, fires have also affected the town of Kihei on Maui’s southwest coast and the inland Upcountry area.
“The city of Lahaina is gone; the city of Kihei is damaged greatly. Pulehu has lost so many houses,” said Pastor Gudmunson. “All of the destruction is all around our little church and our little community.”
How is World Vision responding to the Maui wildfires?
With help from donors, World Vision swiftly responded to the Maui wildfires, supporting 27,178 affected people in the year following the fires through four local partnerships:
Pukalani Community Church of the Nazarene
We supported the church as a central hub for resources, ensuring a continuous supply of urgently needed items to care for displaced residents:
- Distributed 4,000 Crisis Relief Boxes to 16,235 people through eight community distributions. Each box contained fresh fruits and vegetables that didn’t need refrigeration or cooking.
- Helped buy and install solar power units for four newly built homes for affected families on land owned by the church.
- Served 4,140 people through ongoing disaster response efforts, aided by a box truck donated by World Vision.
CityServe
- Supported the training of nearly 200 counselors in mental health coaching and trauma-informed care, with 50% earning certification.
Maui Rescue Mission
- Provided grants for mobile relief services, including access to showers, Wi-Fi, laundry, and health and vision services. Funds also contributed to a larger mobile trailer, enabling the expansion of their relief efforts to aid 1,092 people.
Hawaii Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
- Through a grant, we aided the construction of 500 mobile sheds for survivors, addressing needs for personal storage while the community rebuilds.
Delivering crucial supplies
We shipped seven containers from the mainland to Maui to serve 5,511 people. Each 40-foot container included a range of supplies such as relief beds designed for use during emergencies, dried food, diapers, rain boots, baby formula, hygiene kits, backpacks, bikes, generators, and more.
We remain committed to Maui’s long-term recovery, with plans to scale our efforts over the next year.
How can I help children and families impacted by the Maui wildfires?
- Pray: Join us in praying for the people of Maui and across the Hawaiian Islands who continue to be impacted by the aftermath of these catastrophic fires — and people across the U.S. who are affected by disasters.
- Give: Your gift will help provide essential care to children and families impacted by the wildfires in Hawaii and other disasters across the U.S.
