Lahaina Forever in My Heart

My heart hurts on the second anniversary of the horrific fire that destroyed much of Lahaina town.  The small historic town will never be the same.  But one thing has come from this tragic event, the outpouring of support and love within and for the Lahaina community.  “He mana nui ke aloha no ka ʻohana" – the love for the family is strong.

Lahaina will always hold a place in my heart.  My first move to Lahaina was the summer of 1977.  In the midst of the Jesus Movement our group was young, loving and enthusiastic to help anyone in need. We actually lived in tents in back of the United Methodist Church (which was sadly destroyed in the fire.)

In the Fall I moved into an old plantation house on the corner of Wainee and Dickerson as staff at a half-way house. Our home was open to all – meals were shared with anyone in need, and love was abundant.  The Dilaram House (house of peace) was modeled after a ministry in Kabul.  We had so many people living with us that we had tents set up in the backyard.  We had no air conditioning, so you can imagine the summers were sweltering.  We had an enormous Mango tree, papaya and avocado trees. We would pick Ulu (breadfruit) from the tree lined streets, and make "fruit runs" to Iao Needle for fresh guava and Liliko. We had friends upcountry who would give us macadamia nuts from their farm. Not the easiest nut to crack!

As I look back, life was not perfect, but so impressionable to a young 19 year old.  I imagine we followed Thomas Moore’s practice…”evoke the kingdom in your own style, making your own life a tiny mustard seed, cultivating the weeds of your thoughts, making yourself the embodiment of the moral beauty and spiritual intelligence found in the Gospels.”   

We had times of struggle, and times of joy.   Kindness and compassion changed so many lives, including my own. An evening I remember well, a house guest walked into the ocean fully clothed in an attempt to end her life.  I went running in after her (fully clothed) and walked her back to shore. Whispers of acceptance and love can turn a life around. She became an amazing artists and we stay in contact to this day. 

During dinner one night my mother called asking me to come home.  My father (who had lung cancer) was getting worse and she needed help.  It was an abrupt end to my idyllic life at the Dilaram House, but I am so glad I was able to spend time with my dad and help my mom. He passed but a few months later.  After his death, my mother decided to move to Lahaina with me.  She fit right into our church family, I ran a house for unwed mothers, so she was tutu (grandma) to the children! She loved working at the Royal Maui Jewelry store on Front Street, helping visitors pick out just the right piece of jewelry. Her year on Maui allowed her to put her life back together, while enjoying our loving community.  Our friends were like family, celebrating holidays together – we were Ohana!  I remember those years so fondly.  Our lives were just beginning which forged incredible friendships, many I keep to this day.

While Lahaina may just be a city on the beautiful island of Maui, it is so much more.  It holds the vivid memories of my young adult years, with way, way too many stories to tell. Precious memories of a magical place. A Hui Hou (until we meet again.)