Tourist Stories During the Maui Fire, There Is No Way Out
The island of Maui is still struggling with fighting wildfires that spread to Lahaina City. Tourists panicked. According to tourist stories about the Maui fires, there is no escape either from the ground or from the air.
 |
| Smoke and flames fill the air from raging wildfires on Front Street in downtown Lahaina, Maui on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023 (Photo: Alan Dickar/AP) |
Reporting from local media Maui Now, Friday (08/11/2023), Sarah Adams is one of 4,000 tourists who come to Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii. Sarah came with her fiancée and planned to take a vacation for a long time.
When tourists were trapped by fire
A fire broke out, and Sarah and her fiancé tried to escape from Ka'anapali Airport. However, they were trapped for three hours in traffic and asked to make a U-turn by police. Thousands of tourists and residents are trying to leave West Maui by the highway.
Sarah decides to return to the inn and tries to get out of there by land. Long lines occurred at the only gas station there. They have to be willing to wait 2-3 hours at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue.
Also, read: Horrific wildfires destroy parts of Hawaii's island of Maui, 6 dead.
"It's like the World War in Steven Spielberg's 2005 movie," he said.
"There was no mobile service, the power went out, trees fell, power poles were broken by the wind and people were dazed everywhere," he said.
Tony and Lori Marian, tourists from California were also staying there when the fire broke out. He said he couldn't see the fire, but there was thick black smoke hanging in the sky.
"People were on the side of the road in their cars crying. Many people were left homeless. Many lost their business. This is a tragedy," she said through tears.
Meanwhile, thousands of tourists are still stranded at Ka'anapali Airport. Inbound flights have begun to be restricted by Maui officials. A warning to visit there was broadcast.
"Air travel to Maui is restricted, so we can prioritize our meager resources for Maui residents in dire need," Hawaii Governor Sylvia Luke said.