Hawaii was never on my “bucket list.” I received an invitation, and I went. 

I lived in Lahaina from 2021-2022. My dear friend C. offered me a room in her home, overlooking palm trees and a tiny sliver of ocean. My first morning in Lahaina, a rainbow arced across the rooftops. A sign of healing. Of hope.

Hiking in the forests or walking at night under the stars, I began wrestling with my religion, challenging inherited notions of God, “goodness,” shame, and self-sacrifice. 

My body got sick. I developed blistering sores on my face, hands and feet, as if I’d been crawling over hot coals. Which I had, spiritually, for years.

The heat of Lahaina burned away some old veils, tangling me up and pinning my wings to the ground. Slowly, layer by layer, I began healing in ways I’d never dreamed possible. 

I also learned about the other side of the island, the one not advertised.

I saw the beach erosion, caused by climate change and unrelenting tourism.

The astronomical living costs and economic pressures on locals, thanks to colonialism and capitalism.

The homeless camps and unhoused people, many of whom, despite a strong work ethic, simply fell through the social safety net.

The community activists and champions of Hawaiian sovereignty.

The sacred spaces and prayer circles, attended by people from all walks of life.

If you truly connect with the ‘aina (land) and mana (spiritual power and life force) of the Island, it will take you into deep places within yourself. The Island will speak to you, challenge you. And invite you to make some serious changes.

After the August fires that leveled Lahaina, I want to amplify this message from local leaders and residents: If you plan a trip to Maui only to play and take: Stay Away. If, however, you go with real openness of heart and purity of motive…If you are willing to learn, volunteer, and give back to Mother Earth…If you are respectful and supportive of our Kanaka Maoli sisters and brothers: the Island and Ancestors may welcome you with real Aloha. I hope I can return one day.

Lahaina, the city of merciless sun, blistered my skin and broke me down. I went through an inner fire on Maui, leveling so much of what I’d clung to. Then, like that soft rainbow over the rooftops, I woke up to a shimmer of healing, of hope.

What burned away in me was an old scaffold. 

What remains is indestructible.

Here are some practical ways to help Maui and our Hawaiian ‘ohana:

READ Elahe Izadi’s beautiful article in the Washington Post: Healing After Maui Starts with a Surfboard

DONATE to families directly (Venmo):
https://www.instagram.com/lahaina_ohana_venmo/
SUPPORT families directly (Gofundme) Help Maui Rise:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/helpmauirise
ADOPT a Family for 4 to 6 months:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/962273288407777
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These organizations are making hot meals for survivors and volunteers daily:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/HHH-FIRE-RESPONSE
https://www.gofundme.com/f/chef-sato-his-team-prepare-500-meals-a-day
Maui Collective Contributors gofundme- funding hot meals, supply runs, and donations and storage: https://www.gofundme.com/f/maui-wild-fire-victims

Other Personal Friends’ GoFundme:
https://gofund.me/8323a782
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-to-rebuild-life-after-lahaina-fire
https://www.gofundme.com/f/nadine-ramelb-lahaina-wildfire-recovery-fund
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-webb-family-rebuild-after-maui-fires

​PRAY! Send a healing prayer to Maui.

PRACTICE Aloha, every moment, every day.