Disaster Date:08/08/2023
Lahaina, HI
Fires
What Happened
In August 2023, wildfires ravaged Maui, causing significant damage. The fires affected both local residents and the island’s natural landscapes. Over 13,000 people have been displaced during the Maui Wildfires with over 2,000 buildings destroyed. The Hawaiian town of Lahaina experienced the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century in August 2023, which killed 102 people, displaced thousands and turned the town into ashes.
What MDS Is Doing
MDS work will focus on new house construction.
Location
Lahaina is a combination of two Hawaiian words, “lā” which means sun, and “hainā” which means cruel. Lahaina town is one of the driest places in Hawaii, because it is in the rain shadow of Mauna Kahālāwai (West Maui Mountains). Many different climate zones define Lahaina's districts. Kaanapali is north of a wind line and has double the annual rainfall and frequent breezes. Kapalua and Napili have almost four times more annual rainfall than the town.
