Aug 8, 2024 - Energy & Climate

Haunting photos: Maui's slow recovery from wildfires

In an aerial view, lots cleared of wildfire debris and covered in gray gravel are seen as recovery work continues on August 03, 2024 in Lahaina, Hawaii. — Lots cleared of wildfire debris and covered in gray gravel as recovery work continues on Aug. 3 in Lahaina, Hawaii. Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images

One year ago today, devastating wildfires tore through Maui, destroying most of the Lahaina community.

The big picture: The Maui wildfires were the deadliest in the U.S. in over a century, killing at least 111 people.

The Lahaina wildfire destroyed thousands of structures on the island of Maui, causing more than $5 billion worth of damage.
Maui's economy relies heavily on tourism and the island has struggled to recover economically after the disaster led to a drop in tourism. Arrivals on the island were down 25% year-over-year in the first half of 2024, Bloomberg reported.

Driving the news: President Biden is scheduled to call Hawaii Gov. Josh Green and Mayor Richard Bissen of Maui County later Thursday to mark the anniversary.

These photos show the damage a year ago — and what has changed since.

The burned-out cars that lined the seawall near Front Street in Lahaina, Hawaii, are gone, but efforts to remove debris and rebuild have been slow. Almost no new construction has begun in Lahaina, one year after the deadly blaze that killed at least 102 people on Aug. 8, 2023. Photos: Lindsey Wasson — Burned-out cars that lined the seawall near Front Street in Lahaina, Hawaii, are gone. But efforts to remove debris and rebuild have been slow. Almost no new construction has begun. Photos: Lindsey Wasson and Rick Bowmer/AP

Most of the residential debris has been removed along this stretch of Front Street in Lahaina. Removal of commercial debris began last month. Photos: Mengshin Lin and Rick Bowmer/AP

No construction has taken place after the removal of residential debris in this neighborhood along Lahainaluna Road in Lahaina, Hawaii. Photos: Mengshin Lin and Jae C. Hong/AP — No construction has taken place after the removal of debris in this neighborhood along Lahainaluna Road in Lahaina. Photos: Mengshin Lin and Jae C. Hong/AP

Go deeper: Maui fire becomes deadliest in over a century, at least 111 killed

Add Axios on Google

Haunting photos: Maui's slow recovery from wildfires

What to read next