Up in smoke
When I moved to Portland, I found out pretty quickly that when people from Oregon go on spring break, a lot of them go to Maui. And once I got over there myself, I found out pretty quickly that the touristy part of the island centered on Front Street in Lahaina Town.
I've been back there a handful of times in the 40-odd years since, and although it's been kitschy in the extreme, Lahaina has never failed to supply warm memories. There was just something about the funky, slow-living vibe there that I haven't encountered anywhere else. Yes, there were some clip joints set up to fleece the visitors, but they never cancelled out the happy feel of the place. I wouldn't want to live there, or even stay there beyond a few hours, but the time in the town has always been well-spent.
And so it's a real downer to see that today, Front Street is gone, burned to the ground by an out-of-control wildfire fanned by a 60-mile-an-hour wind. People have died, and others were forced to jump into the ocean to save their skins. There was an ancient banyan tree there that was a world landmark – I wonder if it survived.
No doubt the days ahead will include senseless "debates" about climate change, and loud recriminations about the quality of government on the island. Whatever. Tonight we have just a profound sense of loss. I'm glad I got to experience the place while it was still a place. My heart goes out to the people who made it such a fine scene on which to hang out.
I was shocked to see the news at 6 am. Lahaina was one of our favorite places when we sailed there in 1989.
ReplyDeleteSad to see. I have only been to Hawaii once but mainly around Honolulu and the Kauai. It seemed like a nice that was far from the beaten path. In other words, my kind of place!
ReplyDeleteBut I did likely imbibe in some of it’s “exports” back in the day. Back when indulging made a person feel almost like an international tourist.
Back in the day, you could score some pretty weak weed under the banyan tree.
ReplyDeleteI guess that the locals kept the good stuff for themselves then! Smart.
DeleteThere are basically two kind of people on Maui, locals and tourists. If you are a tourist it's good to be related to or have a friend who is a local when you visit. In the 80's when I visited with my brother we had Maui Wowie.
DeleteMy son and family are stuck up the road from the fire. No power, one bar of cell reception, no way of getting news except word of mouth.
ReplyDeleteAre they in Napili? Kaanapali?
DeleteKaanapali. Food’s become an issue.
DeleteTragic.
DeleteThat is sad. Every house should have at least a couple portable radios and batteries for such an occasion. Maybe even a shortwave radio too if they are out of normal service areas.
DeleteI was last there strolling front street over 50 years ago, but my memories of the time and vibe are exactly the same as Bog's and have always been cherished because they were so warming.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very sad event and almost impossible to believe.
I visited with my brother in the 80's I never went back so my memories of the place are good ones.
DeleteAlways thought Lahaina was how Norman Rockwell would have designed a town in Hawaiian. Hope it can somehow be brought back.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime, Paia, I guess.
DeleteThe earth is a fantastic destroyer and healer. Fire is part of that process, but not fun being in the middle of angry momma.
ReplyDeleteSo sad, these poor people! I am happy to report that the tree you mentioned Jack- was only singed! I pray that this beautiful place and it’s people return once again!💕🌺
ReplyDelete