Written Journal #2: Lahaina, Maui

I remember walking home from school when I heard the horrible news. The historic town of Lahaina had burnt to ashes due to a fire in the area. I immediately called my grandma who had lived in the area for some time to comfort her. Hearing the stories about people fleeing the town for their lives made it hard to process. Lahaina has always been a special place for my family. We would often meet in Lahaina to reunite the extended family every year. Some of my fondest childhood memories were exploring the various shops and restaurants in the area. 

Lahaina is where I began to appreciate art and its beauty. The central part of town was home to some of the rarest art in the world. My family and I would take the time to visit the museums full of art showing different aspects of nature. You could find authentic paintings, photographs, and sculptures depicting scenes from all ecosystems. I especially enjoyed viewing the aquatic wildlife photographs. These clear underwater images illustrated the beauty of dolphin, fish, and whale species. A few years back my family purchased some of this art that now hangs in our house in San Diego. One of the paintings depicts a white sand beach leading into a vibrant green forest. It will now not only serve as a visual treasure but also remind us of the town and memories of Lahaina. 

Some of my best photographs also originate from Lahaina and the surrounding beaches of Maui. Below are a few images of the Napili and Olowalu beaches. These images really capture the blue of the Pacific as well as the black rock stretching into the ocean. The bottom image is one of my favorite photos. This image is of Kaanapali Beach just north of Lahaina. Although it is normally flooded with tourists, it is nonetheless still one of the most scenic spots on the island. This photo has a lot to unpack starting with the break of the wave hitting the shore. Just above the wave is a double rainbow stretching across the image. Rainbows are one of the miracles of nature we often take for granted. It is amazing how light can reflect in such a beautiful way. 


Unfortunately, the tragic events of the fire can’t be undone, but the memory and beauty of Lahaina will live forever in our hearts.



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