Grief and Healing on Lahaina’s Shores

Last week marked the first anniversary of a profoundly tragic day in Maui’s history—the day when over 100 lives were suddenly and without warning taken from us. In just a few short hours, so many homes and businesses were destroyed (2,200 structures); an entire neighborhood vanished.

We gathered last week, by the thousands, upon Lahaina shores to celebrate, remember, and reflect on what once was. Coming together made the day a little easier to bear. We participated in a “paddle out,” a traditional Hawaiian tribute to the life and legacy of those who have passed. The paddle-out is a floating memorial held in the ocean, where surfers and other participants honor someone they cherished.

And so we paddled out in great numbers. I felt honored to be a part of it. It was somber, yet joyful—a celebration and a mourning. The diversity of those affected was mirrored by the crowd, which included people of all ages and races. Many were cheering, splashing, and blowing ceremoniously on conch shells. There were large, grand boats in the water adorned with beautiful flowers and tropical plants, and too many people on surfboards to count.

At some point, I felt a lull—a bit of an anticlimactic feeling. I thought, “We need something special, something BIG! We need a sign, maybe a rainbow to give us hope.” I wasn’t exactly sure what we needed, but I knew it had to be meaningful.

A helicopter had been circling, which I didn’t think much of. I assumed it was for water safety or documentation. But then, as if in slow motion, the helicopter began dropping thousands upon thousands of flowers—tropical flowers of all shapes, sizes, and varieties. Leaves of local plants, rose petals, plumeria, hibiscus—there were more flowers than anyone could imagine fitting in a helicopter! Load after load, they unfurled, slowly and gracefully spreading in the wind, cascading upon us and blessing us with a soft, fragrant rainbow of flower rain. It was so heavenly and sweet. The sea became littered with this floral confetti. My board, my hat, my whole self was covered!

It was more than I could have dreamed. The magic of the moment and the profundity of all that was lost sent tears bursting out of my heart and soul. From the center of my being, deep sorrow emerged and unfurled much like the flowers raining from the heavens. Wave after wave, tears and sobs flooded forth with abandon. I thought of the people’s last moments and what it must have been like for them, the sadness I felt for the land not being treated with love and being sucked dry of its most precious essence… all of it was too much to bear. And so it was released.

My tears didn’t dry but were cleansed by the ocean’s gentle waters. It was a beautiful ceremony, followed by food and music—grief followed by celebration, the full circle of emotions. Most importantly, we came together and supported each other.

Let’s pray for all the souls lost, that they may find their way into the light of freedom. For all the people who’ve lost their loved ones and their homes, may they find strength, peace, and healing, and may they regain a sense of home once again. Let’s pray for the land and the people, that the waters may return where they must, and harmony be restored.

I’m so grateful to be here, to be held by this sacred island, and to show up to support the Maui Ohana. My unending gratitude to this land for holding us all the way that she does.

Mahalo to everyone out there sending their good thoughts and prayers to the people of Maui. It may not be seen or measurable but it is felt and appreciated.

If you’re looking to visit Maui, tourism is welcome; please visit respectfully. If you’d like donate and help Maui in another way, here are some legitimate organizations that I personally know and can vouch for:

Treecovery Hawaii – To replant trees in fire zones at no cost to residents and to help restore the historic Lahaina Banyan tree: Treecoveryhawaii.org

Hungry Heroes Hawaii – Providing and delivering healthy food and cooked meals to fire survivors: Hhhmaui.org

Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center – Providing arts services and doing fire outreach events. They’re giving scholarships to those affected by the fires. Write to them to inquire about donating specifically to scholarships for fire survivors: https://www.huinoeau.com/

Mahalo nui loa
🙏🏝🙏