Lahaina fires in the early hours of Aug. 9, 2023
The fires that consumed the Hawaiian island of Maui on Wednesday (August 9, 2023) wreaked such havoc that there were numerous reports of people fleeing into the ocean to escape the out-of-control blaze. As of Aug. 25, the death toll had risen to 115, with Hawaii Governor Josh Green indicating that the number would rise. Officials said that 388 people were still unaccounted for. It’s the deadliest fire in the U.S. in over a century, far surpassing the Northern California fire in 2018 where 85 people perished. The Governor estimated that as many as 2200 buildings were destroyed. Eyewitness videos from camera phones showed the devastation of the windswept fire—fueled by Hurricane Dora and dry conditions—and the chaos that it caused. Much of the Lahaina Historic District was completely destroyed, though the largest banyan tree in the United States, located at the southern end of Front St., appears to have survived, though it suffered serious injury. Witnesses used the words “apocalyptic” and “shocking” to describe the area. The busy road was home to shops, restaurants and other tourist attractions. Fleetwood’s on Front St., a popular restaurant and club owned by Mick Fleetwood, that overlooks the West Maui section of the Pacific Ocean, was located in the heart of the Lahaina fires. On August 9, at around 10 p.m. ET, Fleetwood announced that the restaurant “was lost” in the fire.
“Maui and the Lahaina community have been my home for several decades,” he wrote. “This is a devastating moment for Maui, and many are suffering unimaginable loss. Fleetwood’s on Front Street has been lost and while we are heartbroken, our main priority is the safety of our dear staff and team members. On behalf of myself and my family, I share my heartfelt thoughts and prayers for the people of Maui. We are committed to supporting the community and those affected by this disaster in the days and months and years to come.”
Eight hours earlier, at approximately 2 p.m. ET, a post on the establishment’s Facebook page wrote ominously, “As most of you know Maui has been dealing with extreme fires created by the residual winds of Hurricane Dora. Lahaina Town has taken the brunt of it 💔. We do not have enough information at this time regarding Fleetwoods on Front St or any of our neighbors to share. Mahalo for your continued thoughts and prayers for our community and our first responders 🙏.”
[On August 16, Fleetwood on Front St.’s general manager began a GoFundMe campaign to support the restaurant’s “‘Ohana,” the Hawaiian term for “family.”]
Below are screen grabs from Google Earth of Front St. on Aug. 9 and on Aug. 25.
Screen shot from Google Earth, Aug. 9, 2023
Screen shot from Google Earth, Aug. 25, 2023
Longtime bandmate Stevie Nicks has also owned a home in Lahaina for decades. On August 11, she shared a lengthy personal note. about the fire’s “sadness, destruction and death.” “Mick and I came here in 1978, went up to Kula to look at a huge, beautiful house and stood in front of it listening to the gentle magical wind,” she wrote. “He said to me, ‘I will live and die on this island.’ I knew he was telling me his truth. John [McVie] also lived here in Maui for a long time; Christine [McVie] never lived here but visited many times.
“I wanted a house here just so I could spend time in Lahaina walking the streets; visiting the art galleries- sitting on the rock wall.” Nicks revealed that her was spared from the fires. But, she added, “The Lahaina that we knew… the Lahaina that in many ways connect Fleetwood Mac and our music to the world, is gone. But my memories of everything that happened to me there is clear as a bell. I will still walk those streets… still watch the sunset from the many cool restaurants that we drove in to see every night.
“I will see Mr. Fleetwoods beautiful new restaurant rebuilt and sparkling in the middle of Front Street.” She closed with a message of hope. “Lahaina is not gone… It is just away.”
The primary fire is said to have covered 1100 acres. Video footage of the Lahaina fire’s aftermath looked like a war zone.
New video from Front Street shows virtually all of downtown Lahaina has been burned down. pic.twitter.com/i4ViDhz8K7
— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) August 9, 2023
Banyan Tree in Lahaina smoldering at the base, but still standing. Just about the only thing left, other than the Lighthouse. pic.twitter.com/t0lGeOwY2H
— Brian Schatz (@brianschatz) August 10, 2023
CNN’s chief climate correspondent reported from Lahaina on Thursday (Aug. 10). “It looks like a bomb went off,” he said. The town was “just lifeless, smoky, and sooty devastation where Lahaina town used to be.”
Many on the island were forced to jump into the ocean to escape the flames.
Terrifying footage showing people jumping into the ocean to escape the fires in Maui 😳 pic.twitter.com/Z0yJRlLri3
— Wow Terrifying (@WowTerrifying) August 11, 2023
Fleetwood opened the restaurant and bar in August 2012, taking over an existing space. Its three floors include a popular rooftop with breathtaking views of the West Maui mountains and the Lahaina waterfront. According to one report when it opened, its thick walls include twisted steel and are considered impregnable.
In 2018, while the patrons dined on parmesan crusted snapper and spicy lilikoi margeritas, the drummer was leading his side band in a performance. In between songs, Fleetwood brought longtime AC/DC lead vocalist Brian Johnson onto the stage.
Donations for the Maui community can be made here.
There are no words to describe the heartbreak that my family and I are feeling for the people of Maui. We called the island our home for over 20 years and remain forever attached to the community. pic.twitter.com/xknZONgQ0i
— Sammy Hagar (@sammyhagar) August 11, 2023
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5 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationFor me, Fleetwoods was the saddest of losses on Front Street. I adored how incredibly and beautifully constructed it was. And that rooftop bar, Compares to None…
God bless you all, as you come to terms with your losses and the great task ahead of you. Vaya Con Dios.
The saddest is the loss of a restaurant which can be rebuilt, what about the loss of lives
Aloha always and be strong, rebuild and we are supporting you- Minot, ND
I left a VM for Fleetwoods the day before the fire to see when we could make reservations for Thanksgiving dinner. We live in Seattle and have had a tradition of our Thanksgiving dinner at Fleetwoods for many years!!! Last year they canceled because of winds on the gorgeous rooftop so we had takeout Turkey dinner & Cookie Dough dessert from Fleetwoods. We have purchased many framed pictures (several of Eddie Vedder) from the gallery downstairs. We were fortunate to have our last meal before we left Maui at Fleetwoods. We are devastated for all the employees and everyone that lives in Maui, especially for the families & friends that have lost loved ones. God Bless Maui. We will be back, if not Thanksgiving then whenever Maui is ready!
Maui is the most beautiful island I have ever visited. The road to Hana,the drive up Haleakala, hiking in the crater, Seven Sacred Pools, exploring the bamboo forests and waterfalls, camping in a magical rain forest. This island was created by a celestial being who had eons of experience creating islands and coastlines. I am filled with sadness that such catastrophe could occur. Words simply cannot describe my sorrow for the families who have lost loved ones, their homes, pets, lifestyle and employment. I wish you strength to deal with such a terrible tragedy.