Maui residents gathered at Hanakaʻōʻō Beach Park to honor the 102 lives lost as Friday marked two years since the Maui wildfires.
A paddle out began at 7 a.m. and events were planned throughout the day and into the evening.
HPR’s Maui Nui reporter Catherine Cluett Pactol was on the scene as a helicopter dropped flower petals into the water and speakers reflected on the day.
The Conversation spoke to her about what was in store for the rest of the day.
Read more of her Maui Nui reporting here:
- Piece by piece, the people of Lahaina rebuild their homes and truck away the ashes
- 'Invisible battles': 2 years post-fire, Maui survivors struggle with mental health
- Community hope and healing take root at a native planting project above Lahaina
- Rebuilding a burned Kula home brings both construction challenges and mixed emotions
This story aired on The Conversation on Aug. 8, 2025. The Conversation airs weekdays at 11 a.m.
