The incredible devastation on Maui is horrendous. Like a nuke hit Lahaina. Hiroshima comes to mind in the images I've seen. I lived on Maui for years. The 4 star restaurant I worked at is toast no doubt. I can't even see the ruins amongst the debris. The historic Pioneer Inn where I'd enjoy a cup of Kona with pancakes is now just history. The many shops, galleries and restaurants I walked past hundreds of times lie burnt and barren. Recovery will be long. It can never be the same. So many tragedies from the ruined vacations to thousands of homeless to the dead residents who never made it out of their homes or cars. Other houses I lived in upcountry in Kula, restaurants I enjoyed in Makawao are embers. Wonders such as Poli Poli park which boasts huge 90 year old redwood trees may be gone. Realize too that some of the most expensive properties in the US may be gone, on Big Island too. It was as close to paradise as you can get in the US.
Agreed. It's horrible. Today the death toll stands at 58. I too ,used to take breakfast at the pioneer Inn when I lived in my chevy station wagon and sometimes on a trimaran in the harbor. Also lived up country outside of Kula. Went to Haleakala, Hana and sailed around Maui. I hope that when Lahaina is rebuilt , the buildings will reflect the old timey architecture somehow. Great memories of Maui.
