Our DILs parents are from Honolulu and we just spoke to them. I can’t describe the heartbreak for every island as the friends and relatives of everyone is spread throughout the entire state. We have been planning a huge family trip there in 2025 and had hoped to visit all of the islands. We will still do that and celebrate a beautiful place in our world.
Thank you for another wonderful article. The tears started falling as soon as I read the first line. You wrote exactly what I couldn't say. You described all of my feelings that I couldn't figure out. You described our life there perfectly and the memories came flooding back. Maui and most importantly, Lahaina, will always be a part of my heart. I will always remember it as a place where we would often go to shop and eat lunch under the Banyon tree. It is also the last place we went with you and my mom before she got sick. That last time in Lahaina was wonderful and I remember it vividly, which is why when I heard about the horrible fire, the tears wouldn't stop. I am so lucky to have been able to go back a few years ago and see Lahaina as I remembered it. The beautiful Banyon tree will always be a part of my heart. ❤️
I certainly relate to your pain, I have my own with this tragedy. One of the best vacations I ever had with family was going to Maui and staying for a month. I remember the sugar cane fields, walking to the little store, an eel, and the kind of memories you can only create when you're there with cousins for an extended amount of time. We had such fun with Susie, Jeff, and Julie. My Mom was healthy on that trip and her bond with you kept her healthy. My Dad and Ed got along famously. I never wanted to leave. I think I was 10 or 11, lifetimes ago........ The sadness is so piercing when the loss of family members is coupled with the devastation of that beautiful place. It's just so final. And life somehow goes on........
So very sorry, Ramona. I had the privilege of being in Hawai'i a decade ago, with my mom and my two daughters. My parents lived in Honolulu after Pearl Harbor, and my oldest brother was born in there. We called my mother's mother Tutu, for that reason, a moniker that carried over to my mom when her grand children were born, and that I hope to adopt someday, too.
We did not visit Maui, but in my mind's eye, I can picture the tropical beauty of the place, and imagine the gentle embrace of the people who live there. The devastation of land, love and legacy for is beyond tragic.
We are heartbroken. Maui, and Lahaina, in particular, have been the backdrop for so many years of family memories. The kids climbing on the banyan tree, photos taken with the parrots on Front Street, all the toe rings purchased at various jewelry stores on Front Street, eating at Longhi’s and Cheeseburger in Paradise, trips to Lanai leaving from the harbor, all the outfits and souvenirs purchased at Hilo Hattie’s, the shave ices purchased and eaten as we meandered up and down the streets…gone. It’s just crushing. As awful as it is for us, our hearts go out to the people who lived and worked there. They’ve lost their homes, their livelihoods, and some their lives, or lives of loved ones. And the historical buildings and artifacts…I can’t even wrap my head around how much they’ve lost. It will be years before it’s rebuilt, but it never be the same.
Thanks for your lovely post Ramona. I have no doubt there is heartbreak that simply can't be measured. I have a beautiful young lady in my life who shared a sentiment with me that I think is worth repeating here.
"I’m trying to shift my perspective a touch - I fear for the people, but Pele cleanses the aina as she sees fit. I’m hopeful what arises after honors our Kupuna. 💜"
My husband and I were married in Waikiki in 1984 and started visiting Maui in 1997. We were gifted to be able to go several times and I took his ashes back in 2019 for a traditional ash scattering service. So, like you, my memories of the islands are embedded in my soul and my heart aches for the people of Maui, and particularly those most impacted in Lahaina.
Our DILs parents are from Honolulu and we just spoke to them. I can’t describe the heartbreak for every island as the friends and relatives of everyone is spread throughout the entire state. We have been planning a huge family trip there in 2025 and had hoped to visit all of the islands. We will still do that and celebrate a beautiful place in our world.
Thank you for another wonderful article. The tears started falling as soon as I read the first line. You wrote exactly what I couldn't say. You described all of my feelings that I couldn't figure out. You described our life there perfectly and the memories came flooding back. Maui and most importantly, Lahaina, will always be a part of my heart. I will always remember it as a place where we would often go to shop and eat lunch under the Banyon tree. It is also the last place we went with you and my mom before she got sick. That last time in Lahaina was wonderful and I remember it vividly, which is why when I heard about the horrible fire, the tears wouldn't stop. I am so lucky to have been able to go back a few years ago and see Lahaina as I remembered it. The beautiful Banyon tree will always be a part of my heart. ❤️
Post
I certainly relate to your pain, I have my own with this tragedy. One of the best vacations I ever had with family was going to Maui and staying for a month. I remember the sugar cane fields, walking to the little store, an eel, and the kind of memories you can only create when you're there with cousins for an extended amount of time. We had such fun with Susie, Jeff, and Julie. My Mom was healthy on that trip and her bond with you kept her healthy. My Dad and Ed got along famously. I never wanted to leave. I think I was 10 or 11, lifetimes ago........ The sadness is so piercing when the loss of family members is coupled with the devastation of that beautiful place. It's just so final. And life somehow goes on........
The very first trip Brent and I ever took together was to Lahaina...
I'm so sorry for the loss of Lahaina and the 36 lives. Every blow from climate change hits like a sledgehammer these days.
No internet and spotty phone service again, so forgive me for the silence here. Thank you all.
Sadly, it's not over on Maui.
So very sorry, Ramona. I had the privilege of being in Hawai'i a decade ago, with my mom and my two daughters. My parents lived in Honolulu after Pearl Harbor, and my oldest brother was born in there. We called my mother's mother Tutu, for that reason, a moniker that carried over to my mom when her grand children were born, and that I hope to adopt someday, too.
We did not visit Maui, but in my mind's eye, I can picture the tropical beauty of the place, and imagine the gentle embrace of the people who live there. The devastation of land, love and legacy for is beyond tragic.
Hawaii has a hold on so many hearts. I love the ‘Tutu’ name, too. Wish I had thought of it when my grandson was born!
My condolences. Thank you for sharing your story with us
We are heartbroken. Maui, and Lahaina, in particular, have been the backdrop for so many years of family memories. The kids climbing on the banyan tree, photos taken with the parrots on Front Street, all the toe rings purchased at various jewelry stores on Front Street, eating at Longhi’s and Cheeseburger in Paradise, trips to Lanai leaving from the harbor, all the outfits and souvenirs purchased at Hilo Hattie’s, the shave ices purchased and eaten as we meandered up and down the streets…gone. It’s just crushing. As awful as it is for us, our hearts go out to the people who lived and worked there. They’ve lost their homes, their livelihoods, and some their lives, or lives of loved ones. And the historical buildings and artifacts…I can’t even wrap my head around how much they’ve lost. It will be years before it’s rebuilt, but it never be the same.
So many memories. I'm sorry, Janet. I'd forgotten about the parrots. I have a picture but couldn't remember where that was!
Thanks for your lovely post Ramona. I have no doubt there is heartbreak that simply can't be measured. I have a beautiful young lady in my life who shared a sentiment with me that I think is worth repeating here.
"I’m trying to shift my perspective a touch - I fear for the people, but Pele cleanses the aina as she sees fit. I’m hopeful what arises after honors our Kupuna. 💜"
My husband and I were married in Waikiki in 1984 and started visiting Maui in 1997. We were gifted to be able to go several times and I took his ashes back in 2019 for a traditional ash scattering service. So, like you, my memories of the islands are embedded in my soul and my heart aches for the people of Maui, and particularly those most impacted in Lahaina.