Sad for Maui

Cannot get my mind off of the devastation in Maui, and in particular Lahaina. (See map)

We on the west coast of North America, take it for granted that, when we want a short vacation in the sun, we can just board a plane and go to Hawaii for a few days. We never think that to the rest of the world, not on the Pacific Rim, Hawaii is one of the remotest places on Earth. It is also one of the most beautiful. We are very fortunate.

I have been to Maui four times, as recently as June 2022, and while it can seem overrun with tourists, it is also fairly easy to get away and get a sense of what the island might have been like before tourists. It truly is paradise on earth.

My heart goes out to the people of Maui, and in particular to Lahaina, for the devastation they have suffered.

The photo is the scene that greeted us upon arrival last year, showing the tropical atmosphere that people crave.

Extra 1. The giant Banyan tree in the center if Lahaina. Probably severely damaged or destroyed by the fire.

Extra 2. Very remote Hamoa Beach, on the east coast of Maui, with a lone surfer. As far away from tourists as one can get on the island.