Firefighters in Maui confront and combat a blaze in Ka'anapali's wild vegetation.
Brush Fire in Maui Near Lahaina Site Causes Local Disruptions
A brush fire broke out near the Puʻukoliʻi area of Kāʻanapali, above the Honoapiʻilani Highway, on August 4, 2025. The fire, which burned approximately 33 acres, was located a couple of miles north of the site of the devastating Lahaina wildfires that occurred nearly two years ago.
The Maui County Fire Department reported that the forward progress of the fire was stopped by early afternoon, but smoldering and containment efforts continued. Evacuation orders and highway closures were lifted by around 2:40-3 p.m., and the highway fully reopened.
The temporary closure of the Honoapiʻilani Highway in the affected area caused some disruptions, and smoke from the smoldering materials briefly impacted air quality and roadway visibility. Flight disruptions also occurred at Kapalua Airport due to the smoke.
The fire, which happened less than two miles north of Lahaina, occurred in a landscape that was significantly parched by the severe wildfires that ravaged the area in 2023. These wildfires were the fifth deadliest in U.S. history, resulting in over 100 deaths and destroying thousands of structures.
Elsewhere, the Maui Emergency Management Agency has shut down both lanes of Honoapiʻilani Highway between Puʻukoliʻi Road and Lower Honoapiʻilani Highway due to ongoing firefighting efforts. However, no updates have been provided on the status of the Legionnaires' disease cluster in New York City or the shooting incident in an unspecified location.
The current brush fire in Hawaii is near the site of the old Sugar Cane Train warehouse. Firefighters are battling the fire using state airport personnel, helicopters, water trucks, and heavy equipment to establish fire lines and extinguish hotspots. The Maui County Fire Department's report states that the fire is still not fully contained.
In summary, the brush fire in Maui caused localized disruptions, with no ongoing widespread fire alert currently on Maui. The Maui County Fire Department continues to work diligently to contain the fire, and the public is advised to remain vigilant during the recovery phase.
[1] Maui Now [2] Hawaii News Now [3] CBS News [4] KITV4
- Despite the ongoing brush fire, sports enthusiasts might find it difficult to reach Kapalua Golf Course due to flight disruptions caused by the smoke.
- The smoldering brush fire weather conditions persistent in Maui could potentially delay or affect outdoor activities scheduled in the Lahaina area.
