As mentioned in Part I of our series, Maui was the location where the idea of Destination I Do took shape. It was the first time I’d ever witnessed a destination wedding taking place, and it became the foundation on which this media outlet was built. The concept of two people traveling to a beautiful location to celebrate their love, embracing the local culture, and marking their lifelong commitment away from everyday life, all having come with aloha, simply feels perfect.

Maui as a destination is one of the best in the world. The golden sunlight reflecting off the ocean with lush green mountains on one side and the desert terrain on the other creates the most stunning landscape. The soft sounds of Hawaiian music almost everywhere you go and the scent of plumeria in the air even when you touch down at the airport. But the people of Maui, and the tight-knit community of Lahaina is what makes this place a true paradise. 

When the fires happened in Lahaina one year ago today, the tragedy was felt all over the world and especially with our team at Destination I Do. Watching in disbelief and hearing about the tragic loss of loved ones and a historic town that was a treasure of the Hawaiian Islands was horrific. Days after, we would then hear of the heroic acts of locals and residents doing all they could to save their town and each other. That same strength and perseverance on the island have continued despite the media coverage moving on to other topics. The island of Maui, although it is filled with tenacious people who know a thing or two about fighting another day, is still hurting. Housing in the area is still a major issue as are jobs. Tourism is vitally important here, and destination weddings are a major part of that. 

If you plan to bring your wedding (and they definitely want you to and need you to) we beg you to “come with aloha.” 

What does that mean exactly? 

Bring Kindness and Thoughtfulness

Almost every person on the island was impacted in some way by the fires and constantly asking about it or bringing it up can feel heavy and burdensome to those living with those painful memories. Instead, research ways you can help before you get there. Instead of vacationing every day of your visit, enlist your group and give back by volunteering.

Bring a Generous Spirit 

If you’re not the volunteering type (or maybe some in your group aren’t into it) donating is another area you can help. There are many great organizations, but make sure wherever you’re giving to is making it to the people impacted by the fires, not to some general fund.

Maui Strong offers assistance directly to the residents and businesses in Maui for both short and long-term needs. You can read more about what they’re doing in their four-phase plan. 

For animal lovers, the Maui Humane Society is a great place to donate both time and money. 

Maui Food Bank has ongoing relief efforts for those impacted. In partnership with the American Red Cross, they’ve even created a program called Da Market, where they provide food and household items to those who need them. Donating both money and food can really help.

Hire Local

More than anything, hiring local vendors (who are almost all small businesses) can have the greatest lasting impact. Not only can it help keep businesses operating, but it allows people to do what they love. When it comes to your wedding, we have a great list of wonderful vendors in Part II of our series, but don’t stop there – that list is just a handful of the amazing vendors who are available on the island of Maui. 

Beyond your wedding day, you’ll have lots of opportunities to explore the beautiful island and support other businesses as well. “Are you getting married over whale season? Be sure to book a whale-watching tour,” says Jennifer Pletcher, wedding planner and owner of Mauna Creative. “Are you staying beyond the wedding weekend? Take that opportunity to explore the famous Road to Hana or a sunrise hike at Haleakala. Clearly, Maui has an abundance of unique experiences that made our couples fall in love with this beautiful island, and they want to share that with those visiting with them.”

Although the fires robbed Maui of so much, the spirit of the people who live there remains strong and vigilant. “The Lahaina fires were devastating and unexpected, but afterward, our island’s strong sense of community shone through,” says Akiko Nakazato, Director of Sales and Catering, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua “We have lots of reasons to be grateful and joyful. We bring people together, celebrate love, and create lifelong memories,” says Nakazato.

“Ka lā hiki ola” is a Hawaiian phrase that translates to a number of things including: “the dawning of a new day,” “to start anew,” and “live with joy and purpose.” As if it’s an embodiment of this saying, the famed 150-year-old Banyan Tree in Lahaina, after being burned in the fire, is sprouting new leaves. What a beautiful symbol of hope and renewal. 

Today, on the anniversary of the tragic Lahaina fires, help create that hope for renewal with a donation, hiring local and remembering to come with aloha. 

For more inspiration, check out a few of our featured real couples who have recently had their weddings on the island. Make sure to check out their vendor list if you love what you see!

• A wedding at Olowalu Plantation House in Lahaina
• A photoshoot with gorgeous floral inspo from Fern House Flowers Maui
• A black and white Maui wedding
• A tented wedding with all the trimmings
• A gorgeous gay Maui wedding in Lahaina
• A wedding at Gather in Maui
• A wedding in Hana
• A wedding at the Andaz Maui in Wailea
• A tropical yet traditional Maui wedding