After deadly wildfires ravaged the Hawaiian island of Maui and killed at least 36 people, satellite images and photos reveal the extent of the destruction in historic Lahaina Town, a popular vacation area with cultural roots that go back centuries.
More than 250 structures and entire blocks of the downtown area were leveled by the fire, fueled by winds from Hurricane Dora to the south and a high-pressure system to the north.
‘A real loss’‘Burned down to ashes’: Why devastated Lahaina Town is such a cherished place on Maui
Among some of the places decimated by the fire were the island’s historic downtown, its oldest church and Lahaina Banyan Court, site of the island’s oldest tree.
Four-hour time-lapse images show winds stoking flames on island
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Cultural and religious sites lost to wildfires
Businesses and historic landmarks were destroyed as wildfires raced through the town. The cause of the fires is unknown, although some experts say human development on the island may be partly to blame. Plantation owners planted non-native grasses that have not adapted to the native ecosystem. The grasses are dry and prone to fires.
Wildfire on Monday, Aug. 8
Waiola Church, which was consumed by the fire, was Hawaii’s first site of Christian worship in the early 1800s, according to the church’s website.
Devastation left by the fires
Lahaina Banyan Court Park is home to a famous banyan fig tree that was imported from India and planted in 1873. The tree was threatened by the fires and suffered damage to trunks and limbs but remains standing, the Honolulu Civil Beat reported.
Contributing: Claire Thornton and Emily DeLetter, USA TODAY
