Kīpuni Aloha no Maui

Embrace beloved Maui

Statewide, day-long vigil on September 1, 2023

Mahalo for coming together to support Maui. The day was centered around emotional and spiritual healing that is rooted in Native Hawaiian practices with leaders from diverse faiths. Let’s continue to stand together, support one another, and uplift Maui. Ho‘ōla Ko Kākou Hawai‘i. May our Hawai‘i heal as one.

Sunrise, noon, and sunset ceremonies

Vigils on Maui, Moloka‘i, O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, and Hawai‘i Island were streamed live on TV and online in partnership with ‘Ōlelo, Akakū Community Media, KAKU 88.5 FM, Maui Stream, Hawai‘i News Now, KITV4, KHON2, Nā Leo TV, Hō‘ike TV, HONOLULU Magazine, and other media partners.

Watch ceremonies

Public ceremonies and in-place gatherings

As part of the day-long vigil, churches, businesses, organizations, and community groups in and beyond Hawai‘i, held their own gatherings and shared on social media. #MauiStrong #MauiVigil #KipuniAlohaNoMaui

View List of in-person vigils

Watch “Love for Maui”

An original collaboration from Jake Shimabukuro, Kristie Fujiyama Kosmides, and Tracey Niimi.

Our hearts go out to Maui

The fires on Maui caused unprecedented devastation and the pain that the people of Maui are enduring is unimaginable. The loss being experienced is great – precious loved ones, homes, local businesses, and many treasured, historical artifacts and buildings.

Lahaina town is deeply rooted in the history and culture of our Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians). Most Native Hawaiians consider Lahaina a sacred place as the seat of the Hawaiian Kingdom from 1820 – 1870 during the reigns of Kamehameha III – V.

The need for Hawai‘i’s Soul

The great loss and pain on Maui are also felt on all our islands across the state, who mourn over the tragedy as well. While the road to recovery will be long, the outpouring of support from all of Hawai‘i’s people and from those beyond our shores has been a bright spot and provides hope to build an even stronger Maui Nui and Hawai‘i.

This ability to lean in when our people need it the most is a living example of Hawai‘i’s Soul. Since preserving and protecting this balance is foremost to our survival on our island home, in times of disaster we come together, work across our differences, and act.

The vigil is in line with ‘Aha Pule Pualu, the assembly of kumu hula and cultural practitioners for collective prayer and reflection over an anahulu, a 10-day period that started on Aug. 13, 2023, at noon in alignment with the moon. The ritual is intended for those who have perished, their beloved family and friends in mourning, and cleansing of the land.