Rebuilding Lāhainā : A Journey of Resilience After the Devastating Wildfires

Two years ago, Lāhainā faced one of the most devastating wildfires in its history. The flames swept through the town, leaving behind a trail of destruction that touched every corner of the community. As someone who has witnessed the aftermath and the ongoing recovery, I want to share the story of Lāhainā's rebuilding—a story of resilience, hope, and the power of community.

Lahaina Jodo Mission

In July, 2025, we returned to Lāhainā for the first time in nearly two years. During our emotional trip home, we were honored to partner with Treecovery Hawai'i and Lāhainā Sunrise Rotary Club to plant trees at our beloved, Lāhainā Jodo Mission.

The Lāhainā Jodo Mission was founded in 1912 with the support of many Japanese immigrants then working in the sugar and pineapple plantations. After the original temple was destroyed in a fire in 1968, the members of the Mission decided to build a Japanese-style Buddhist temple on the beachfront property that provided an idyllic setting. The temple ground is situated at Pu'unoa Point in Lāhainā, the first capital of the Hawaiian Islands, and overlooks the beauty and serenity of three neighboring islands Moloka'i, Lānaʻi, and Kahoʻolawe and the West Maui mountains.

Tragically, the Lāhainā Jodo Mission and Temple Grounds were destroyed in the devastating fire on August 8, 2023, that swept through Lāhainā. Regrettably, the fire consumed several key structures including the main temple, the three-tiered pagoda (columbarium), the bell tower, community hall, entrance gate, minister’s residence and temple and minister’s offices. Despite these losses, there is a hope as the bronze Amida Buddha statue remains sitting in repose amidst the ruins.

Treecovery's Mission is to provide trees for free for the people of Lāhainā and Kula that lost their trees in the August 8th, 2023 Maui wildfires. Treecovery is dedicated to restoring and protecting Maui's natural landscapes while strengthening the local community through environmental stewardship, food security, education, job creation, spiritual healing, and cultural connection. Rooted in Hawaiian values, Treecovery integrates traditional ecological knowledge with modern conservation practices to foster resilience, sustainability, and cultural identity.

The wildfires of Maui have dramatically altered the landscape, increasing erosion risks and destabilizing critical ecosystems. Regreening addresses the immediate recovery needs while laying the foundation for long-term environmental resilience. Treecovery is committed to restoring at least 500 acres of wildfire impacted land within five years by planting 150,000 native and fire-resistant trees to restore ecosystems, reduce soil erosion, and mitigate future wildfire risks.

We were honored to plant trees alongside Rev. Gensho Hara and his family, our 'Ohana, Kānaka Maoli, Kamaʻāina, and many respectful visitors with a desire to malama ʻāina (give back to the land) and embrace Treecovery's shared Values:

Kõkua - Helping without expectation, fostering a spirit of giving and collaboration.

Laulima - Many hands make light work, emphasizing collective effort.

Kuleana - Accountability to oneself, the community, and the environment.

Mālama - To care for and protect, ensuring alignment with Hawaiian values.

The Kukui nut tree is more than just a plant; it is a vital part of Hawaii’s cultural heritage and natural environment. From its practical uses in daily life to its symbolic meanings in Hawaiian traditions, the Kukui tree has been an essential part of the islands’ history. In Hawaiian culture, the Kukui tree is a symbol of enlightenment, protection, and peace. The tree’s light-emitting nuts have made it synonymous with knowledge and guidance. The Kukui was also used in traditional ceremonies and rituals, symbolizing spiritual light and protection. Kukui nuts are often polished and used to make lei (garlands) that are worn during ceremonies and celebrations. The shiny, dark brown or black nuts are strung together, creating beautiful and symbolic adornments. These lei are often associated with respect, honor, and the embodiment of aloha.

In the words of Rev. Gensho Hara, “A temple is a place where people gather. As long as I’m alive, rebuilding will be my duty,” Hara says. “For everyone’s love and concern and encouragement, this will be my answer.”