The August 8, 2023 Lahaina wildfire tragically took the lives of at least 102 loved ones and  displaced thousands of people. The fire destroyed approximately 2,207 structures, of which 95% were homes and businesses - an entire town that was beloved by many across Maui, Hawai’i and the world. The fire has had immeasurable reverberating effects across the pae ‘āina o Hawaiʻi, and the creation of a Lahaina Memorial is necessary for the healing of the community and remembrance of those lost.

This project creates a Lahaina Memorial that honors the lives of loved ones lost and the experiences of survivors and community members. The Lahaina Memorial will serve as a healing space for the community to gather, remember, and reflect. Planning for the memorial will heavily involve community members and survivors and will also serve as a step in the healing process for the community. The location choice and design of the memorial will be community-led to ensure that the space properly honors those lost and serves as an appropriate long-term space for the community.