The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photos

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FIRST PHOTO: As viewed from a helicopter on the morning of Aug. 10, the devastation to the heart of Lahaina stretches from its world-famous harbor and banyan tree to the top of town. Destroyed buildings include (clockwise from right): King Kamehameha III Elementary School, Old Lahaina Courthouse, Pioneer Inn, Lahaina Public Library, Baldwin Home Museum, Wharf Cinema Center and other businesses, apartments and homes.

SECOND PHOTO: Aug 8–A young man rushes to rescue a man who escaped from the steadily-advancing flames near Malu O Lele Park only to run out of steam along the south end of Front Street. THIRD PHOTO: A woman runs her horse past a Maui County Highways crew working to clear Olinda Road of wind-blown debris as she evacuates the fire-threatened area on Aug. 8. The windswept wildfire burned 20 Upcountry homes and structures and blackened more than 700 acres of forest and grazing land. FOURTH PHOTO: Nov. 27–Wearing protective gear head to toe, Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani of Honolulu searches the ruins of Lahaina Hongwanji Mission. The ritual was shared by thousands in Lahaina who were allowed back to their properties by zones and in stages.

FIFTH PHOTO: Sept. 8–Participants shout and splash as an Air One helicopter makes a flower drop over a paddle-out at the Ukumehame surf spot called Thousand Peaks. The event was held one month after the devastating fire that destroyed most of Lahaina Town. SIXTH PHOTO: Aug. 10–Cars parked helter-skelter along Front Street’s breakwall point to a scene of chaotic desperation by evacuees trying to escape the fast-moving fire as it swept over the north end of town. Inland is the destroyed Outlets of Maui complex. This photo was taken Aug. 10. SEVENTH PHOTO: Aug. 12–Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen answers a question alongside Hawaii Governor Josh Green during a tour of the devastation along Lahaina’s Front Street on Aug. 12. Media interest worldwide would draw a small army of journalists to the island in the weeks to come. EIGHTH PHOTO: Sep. 30– Jacqui Simpson, mother of fallen EMT Tony Simpson, receives a hug from Lanai resident Mindy Bolo before the start of a celebration of life at Hanakao’o Beach Park in Lahaina. In the background is Tony Simpson’s sister, Nova Simpson. Tony Simpson worked as an EMT on Lanai while living in Lahaina. He was home on his day off on Aug. 8 when he died in the fire.

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