Every year, our family embarks on a pilgrimage to the north shore of Maui to enjoy making memories, relaxing and playing together in warm sunshine and cool waves of the north shore. We knew that the last trip was going to be different. 

Over the summer, we were shocked to see the story of the flames fanned by hurricane force winds rip through the sleepy tourist town we knew so well, envisioning each nook can cranny, and the complete devastation unfolding before our eyes.

For 45 years my family has been visiting the island and the sleepy tourist destination. Lahaina town’s Main Street built upon the sea wall on the west side of Maui, looking across the channel to the islands in Lanai and Molokai, the very spot where nearly every humpback whale in the world was known to visit to mate and later return to give birth to a new generation. 

So many cherished memories for our family and those of our team. Wilkinson’s founder Russ recalls riding skateboards through Lahaina Town on weekends with his close friend in the 80's. 

For us, an innocent photo taken in 1979 with the painted wooden sea captain perched in front of the Pioneer Inn across the street from Lahaina's ancient and historic banyan tree has served as a makeshift measuring stick for me and my children, a fresh family photo taken each time we visit, together documenting the progress we have made over the past year.

The location of so many incredibly vivid memories from throughout my life are gone forever, turned to ash in a single evening, the devastation widespread, over 2,200 structures were destroyed, 96% of which were residential. 

In what seems like a previous life, my career was in disaster recovery. Traveling throughout the world responding to many scenes including fires and widespread destruction in locations like New Orleans, where I served in the central business district adjacent to the SuperDome. I understood devastation. I was empathetic and prepared for what I would see. Paradise had become hell. 

Halfway through our stay, our son met three other boys on the beach and they quickly became a skimming, swimming, surfing, and paddling pack of four young watermen playing together on the beach and in the waves each day. 

Visiting with the other parents while watching the boys, we learned that two of them were local, one of whom lost his home, his school, and a friend in the fire. We learned that the family was safely living in a nearby resort, homeschooling their son temporarily, but uncertain when they might be able to return to the life they had known, living in a neighborhood, surrounded by friends. Their needs were being met. They had access to supplies and services they needed. They were stoic and grateful for what they had, “blessed” by their own admission.

This feeling was not shared by all. There are some Hawaiians we visited with who believe that due the circumstances, they are being forced out and their land is being forced out. They are angry and untrusting. I can understand their point of view. Life has been difficult on Maui. Tourism came to an abrupt halt during Covid and again following the fires in Lahaina. While assistance is one thing, one’s sense of purpose is another. 

As a visitor, I am not in a position to judge, just to listen, and to provide support in any way I can, to share the wealth I have been blessed with generously and to lend an understanding, inquisitive and respectful ear.

Vacations offer us the time to recharge and become reenergized to take on all that life offers. They also offer us time to reflect on the good we do, the many blessings we have. The opportunities our investments afford us, generosity towards others.