Anniversary of Lahaina's Wildfires Serves as a Day for Reflection and Showcasing Resilience
The second annual paddle-out event took place at Hanaka'o'o Beach Park in Lahaina, Maui, on August 8, 2025. This emotional and vibrant ceremony marked the second anniversary of the devastating 2023 wildfires and honoured the memory of the 102 people who lost their lives.
Nearly 1,000 people participated in the event, with surfers and paddlers creating a traditional paddle-out circle in the water. The day was filled with live music, flower drops from a helicopter, free plate lunches, and support services such as counseling tents provided by Kaiser Permanente and Piha Wellness & Healing.
The paddle-out was part of a larger Kuhinia Maui community gathering, which also included a midday event in Central Maui and an evening tribute in Lahaina. These events celebrated the community's spirit and strength to rise from tragedy, with youth speakers and musical performances emphasizing family, community, and hope.
Many attendees were survivors who had lost their homes and loved ones, making the event deeply personal and significant for the island community. Gov. Josh Green acknowledged the ongoing efforts to provide health care, housing, and mental health support for those affected by the wildfires. He emphasised that people are still suffering and that Hawaii and Maui stand strong in their commitment to rebuild.
U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz also acknowledged the long road to recovery ahead, stating that many people are still not fully recovered from the wildfires. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen and U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono attended the paddle-out, with Hirono releasing white doves to honour the souls lost in the wildfires.
Capt. Mike Sparling, who stated that the turnout was "a little less" than the number of survivors and supporters who showed up for the first commemoration, highlighted the community's resilience. Lahaina Strong community spokesperson Paele Kiakona described the paddle-out as a reminder of the community's strength and willingness to support one another.
The event was not just a commemoration of loss but also a celebration of hope and resilience. De Andre and Lexi Takahashi, along with their sons Mana and Makali'i, arrived early to help coordinate the community swim. Kevin Tanaka, Saane Tone-Tanaka, and their family participated in the paddle-out to honour five family members who died in the Aug. 8, 2023 wildfires in Lahaina.
An estimated 350 people swam or paddled out on surfboards, boogie boards, and stand-up boards. The event ended with a helicopter flower drop and a group singing "Hawaii Aloha" in the water. An armada of Coast Guard, Maui fire, and Ocean Safety crews ensured the safety of participants during the event.
As Green emphasised, the world witnessed Maui's demonstration of aloha and ohana in the aftermath of the wildfires. The paddle-out was a testament to the community's resilience, remembrance, and hope for the future.
[1] Maui News [2] Pacific Business News [3] Hawaii News Now [4] Star-Advertiser
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