Lahaina stretches along Maui’s west coast and has long been a popular site for seeing sea turtles and other marine life. That sea life may now be at risk from pollutants from burned coastal buildings and runoff. The fire burned to the shoreline, destroying boats, docks and other vehicles, some of which sank. Debris and sunken boats will need to be removed from the nearshore waters to protect corals.

The premier hula festival in the world, the Merrie Monarch is dedicated to the memory of arts patron King David Kalakaua (1836-1891), who famously said: “Hula is the language of the heart, therefore, the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people.” In addition to the Hawaiian arts fair, music, craft demonstrations, hula shows and grand parade, the festival culminates in an amazing hula competition.