Photos show Lahaina’s historic, cultural treasures razed by devastating fire
wildfires that overtook the town of Lahaina on Maui reducing what was once the royal kingdom of the Hawaiian islands to a pile of smouldering rubble and ash.Wildfires fanned by strong winds have killed at least 36 people and left island residents reeling over the loss of culturally significant monuments and buildings.Lahaina is dense with Native Hawaiian history and culture. The city was once the royal residence of King Kamehameha III, who unified Hawaii under a single kingdom by defeating the other island chiefs.
His successors made it the capital from 1820 to 1845.Kings and queens are buried in the graveyard of the 200-year-old stone Wainee Church. Later named Waiola, the church that once sat up to 200 people was photographed going up in flames this week.I wonder how many ppl truly understand the significance of this destruction.Lāhainā was Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina’s capital from 1820 until 1845.Waineʻe Church, now called Waiola Church, is the final resting place for some of our aliʻi.The loss is incalculable.
Read more on globalnews.ca
