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Lahaina: The Heart of Maui
The historical town of Lahaina was not just another place to say you've been there once just to cross it off the "must-do' list. It was a place you went back to every day for the ambiance of untouched architecture and island made goods. Lahaina's Front Street was a never-forget nightly stroll to shop for the best locally made treats, handmade prints, and fresh seafood after a day of exploring the island's ocean and terrain. And not to mention the 60 foot tall Banyan tree planted in 1873 centered in the middle of the town, and maybe the most well-known landmark on Maui.
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As you may know in August of 2023, majority of downtown Lahaina did not survive what was known as the "Maui fires" where many shops and restaurants unfortunately burnt down. However to this day, ongoing efforts remain to restore the beautiful Lahaina with many donation sites available. Down below you will find a link to an organization called the "Hawaii Community Foundation" where you can directly donate to support the Maui Strong Fund to help those impacted from the fires. Another great resource is posted on the Hawaii Tours website where they provide funding resources and great updates towards relief projects.
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Hawaii remains my all-time favorite place in the world, not just because of the jaw-dropping, lush scenery (though that's a big part), but also due to the loving community I have experienced on each trip. I always find myself meeting some of the most wonderful locals who just thrive off of kindness, positivity, & joy for their land.
As you may have heard or seen, many locals use the phrase: Malama Áina, which means to care for the land. Since I began this blogging journey, I have come to learn this is a very important value where most local businesses and residents will put this into practice every day. Whether it's being cautious of sustainable efforts, helping rescue wildlife, or promoting beach clean-ups, a big priority centers around maintaining the beauty for their land. Ever wonder why the flight attendants pass around those forms when making your descent into Hawaii? Well in case you don't fully read what you're signing (which I must admit I have done) those documents are to ensure the protection of inhabited sea turtles, ensuring we do not disturb or cause any danger to them. So, as an avid Hawaii vacationer, I also want to highlight ways we can give back to the community in addition to featuring hidden gems or suggested itineraries.
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Donate Today:
There are a number of organizations and donation outlets to choose from in support of the Maui fires. Down below, I have linked a source from the Hawai'i Community Foundation where you can directly donate to the Maui Strong Fund, providing help to relieve and restore damages from the fires. Thank you for your support, I'm sure every penny means the world to each individual impacted!