Maui Fires

Ongoing coverage of the 2023 wildfires that destroyed much of Lahaina and burned for weeks in Upcountry Maui. We are closely following the fires’ aftermath including efforts to rebuild and consequences for the entire state.


Latest Stories

Maui Fire Lawsuit Payouts Are Near. Few Survivors Will Break Even
Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2023

Maui Fire Lawsuit Payouts Are Near. Few Survivors Will Break Even

Money could start flowing to victims by June, nearly two years after the settlement was finalized.

‘Godzilla’ El Niño And Recent Floods Bring Risky Fire Forecasts To Hawaiʻi
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025

‘Godzilla’ El Niño And Recent Floods Bring Risky Fire Forecasts To Hawaiʻi

This year’s heavy rain has turbocharged the growth of vegetation statewide. When the inevitable dry months come, it will become extra fuel for wildfires.

‘Not A Priority’: Frustrations Mount Over Missing Fire Evacuation Route
Taylor Nāhulukeaokalani Cozloff/Civil Beat/2026

‘Not A Priority’: Frustrations Mount Over Missing Fire Evacuation Route

Hawai‘i County Council is weighing the mayor’s budget request to build more housing before finishing an evacuation route in Waikōloa.

Wildfires Used To ‘Go To Sleep’ At Night. Climate Change Has Them Burning Overtime
AP

Wildfires Used To ‘Go To Sleep’ At Night. Climate Change Has Them Burning Overtime

Fires that surge at night, including the 2023 Lahaina fire, are tougher to fight.

Kaua‘i Homeowners Can Soon Get A Free Wildfire Home Assessment
Noelle Fujii-Oride/Civil Beat/2026

Kaua‘i Homeowners Can Soon Get A Free Wildfire Home Assessment

The county responded to more than 300 brushfires last year, and officials are making the issue a major focus going forward.

Iwi Kūpuna Desecrated During Lahaina Fire Cleanup, Lawsuit Says
Cammy Clark/Civil Beat/2024

Iwi Kūpuna Desecrated During Lahaina Fire Cleanup, Lawsuit Says

A family is suing a Maui landowner and the state for not protecting Native Hawaiian remains as required by law.

Beyond The Burn Zone: Maui Wildfires Cause Widespread Mental Health Issues
DLNR

Beyond The Burn Zone: Maui Wildfires Cause Widespread Mental Health Issues

New research shows housing displacement and income loss were central drivers of psychological harm.

Maui Wildfire Lawyers Vying For $1 Billion Payday
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

Maui Wildfire Lawyers Vying For $1 Billion Payday

A Hawaiʻi judge may be the one to decide what legal fees are reasonable under state law.

FEMA Maui Fire Aid Delayed By Top Trump Official, Senators Say
Léo Azambuja/Civil Beat/2024

FEMA Maui Fire Aid Delayed By Top Trump Official, Senators Say

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s policy of personally reviewing large grants held up a request to renew emergency housing aid on Maui, a new report says.

The Stakes Have Never Been Higher For Maui Planning Department

The Stakes Have Never Been Higher For Maui Planning Department

The third Maui County planning director in three years plans to prioritize post-wildfire rebuilding and tackle complex local issues.