In early August 2023, a series of wildfires, referred to as the Hawaii Firestorm by the United States government, broke out in the U.S. state of Hawaii, predominantly on the island of Maui.
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October 8, 2023Respectful travel to any of the Hawaiian Islands, including the accessible areas of Maui, is welcomed and encouraged, now more than ever. With the exception of Lahaina, West Maui accommodations have begun to reopen to visitors again.
Haleakala, the only active volcano on the Island of Maui, erupted most recently between about 600 and 400 years ago. In the past 1,000 years, at least 10 eruptions produced lava flows and tephra cones from the rift zone that crosses the volcano from southwest to east and through Haleakala Crater.
Lahaina bore the brunt of the flames and the historic town was completely destroyed. With 2,170 acres burned, the Lahaina fire is about 90% contained, according to the release.
Maui generally enjoys some of the best water quality on earth. Sometimes during winter storms on Maui, Molokai and Lanai water quality can be compromised temporarily by water runoff that carries excessive sediment, nutrients, and pollution called Brown Water Events, characterized by brown-looking water.
Hawaiian Electric admits its power lines started the Maui wildfire but says the fire department declared mission accomplished too soon. Linemen work on poles, Aug. 13, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii, following a deadly wildfire.