Lights for Lahaina is more than a single gathering—it’s a moment of community healing, remembrance, and hope for Lahaina’s future. Created in response to the devastation of the August 2023 wildfires, this event is presented by Aloha Amplified, Inc., with co-presenting support from Mālama Maui ‘Ohana Foundation. It was designed to honor the stories and spirit of a town forever changed, yet never broken.The vision for Lights for Lahaina grew from a shared belief: that by coming together with purpose and aloha, we can help light the path forward for Lahaina’s people—celebrating what remains and inspiring what’s to come.
Lights for Lahaina & Light March is a FREE event open to Maui’s ʻohana, offering an evening of remembrance, reflection, and cultural connection. From keiki art and storytelling to lantern-making, live entertainment, and a guided illuminating procession to Puʻunoa Beach, each activity is designed to honor Lahaina’s past and inspire hope for its future. Guests can also enjoy ono local flavors from a variety of food trucks on site. Whether you join to remember loved ones, celebrate resilience, or simply be present with community, there is something meaningful for everyone to experience. Explore the activities below and discover the many ways you can take part in this special evening.
This meaningful procession invites participants to walk from Maria Lanakila Catholic Church to Puʻunoa Beach, lanterns in hand, guided by reflections from Kumu Kamaunu Kahaiali‘i and other cultural and historical voices. Along the way, participants will pause to hear moʻolelo (stories) and memories that honor the people, places, and legacy of Lahaina. Portions of the path will be softly lit, creating space for quiet reflection—not only on what was lost, but on the memories we carry and the strength that leads us forward. At Puʻunoa Beach, the community will gather for a shared moment of light and remembrance.
The Lahaina Time Capsule invites the community to pause and put pen to paper—capturing this moment in history not just as a memory, but as a message to the future. Guests are encouraged to contribute letters, poems, drawings, or reflections addressed to a future Lahaina, loved ones yet to be born, or even their future selves. Submissions will be sealed in an archival-grade capsule to be buried at Maria Lanakila Catholic Church and opened on August 8, 2043—the 20th anniversary of the wildfire.
Guests of all ages are invited to decorate and dedicate their own lanterns—symbols of light, love, and healing. Whether honoring someone lost, expressing gratitude, or offering a wish for Lahaina’s future, each lantern becomes part of a collective installation glowing across the church grounds. This activity invites quiet reflection, shared storytelling, and emotional release, allowing individuals and families to honor what matters most. Lanterns and markers will be provided on site. Guests are welcome to take their lantern home as a meaningful keepsake of the evening.
Lahaina’s youngest voices are honored through this uplifting art and story project entitled “My Wish for Lahaina.” Keiki are invited to reflect on what Lahaina means to them and share their hopes for the future. Submissions can also be made after the event. Entries will be featured in an online tribute to be released and shared on the LahainaforLahaina.org website in November 2025. Parents or guardians are encouraged to participate alongside their keiki.
Throughout the evening, attendees will be uplifted by the sounds and stories of Lahaina. Entertainment will feature local musicians and hālau hula, while cultural practitioners and storytellers will share moʻolelo that bring Lahaina’s history and spirit to life. These performances and narratives will celebrate the cultural richness of Lahaina and showcase the resilience of its people and the enduring spirit of aloha.
Inspired by the Hawaiian value of hā—the sacred breath of life—this quiet space invites guests to pause, breathe deeply, and reconnect with their inner calm. Through simple breathing exercises and mindful stillness, Hā Moments offer attendees a chance to slow down and ground themselves in the present. Held just before the Light March, this activity helps prepare those who choose to participate in the walk, while offering a peaceful space for all guests to reflect and recharge.
Mālama Lani—“to care for the heavens”—invites guests to pause, look to the skies, and reflect on the deep connection between earth, ancestors, and the universe. A guided experience under the stars from the heart of Lahaina, this activity explores Hawaiian celestial constellations that have long guided our past—and continue to inspire us as we navigate the future. With telescopes and gentle lighting to enhance the experience, this peaceful moment under the stars offers space for wonder, reflection, and connection.
Informational Tables offer opportunities for learning, connection, and reflection. Located in a designated area of the church grounds, guests are invited to visit and engage with organizations that have been instrumental in Lahaina’s recovery and cultural preservation efforts. Through heartfelt conversations, visitors can learn about efforts to support survivors, protect sacred spaces, rebuild homes, and strengthen community ties. This activity reminds us that healing doesn’t happen alone—it happens together.
Activities subject to change.
Aloha Amplified, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization built on the belief that even the smallest act of aloha can spark powerful change. We see the ingenuity and resilience woven into Lahaina’s people and work to amplify those strengths—whether through supporting small businesses, preserving cultural stories, or creating spaces for healing. Donations to Aloha Amplified, Inc. are tax-deductible, helping us continue to shine a light on Lahaina’s spirit of recovery and renewal.
With lights outlining the ruins of his home—destroyed in the 2023 Lahaina wildfire—Kamaunu Kahaiali‘i, a resident of Lahaina and Aloha Amplified Board Member, reflects on his family’s journey to rebuild. This is the heart of the Lights for Lahaina event on September 6, 2025—a tribute to what once was, a time to gather, heal, and reflect together, and a promise of hope for the future.
Mālama Maui ‘Ohana Foundation, also a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is rooted in the shared values of family, culture, and wellness. Their mission is to ensure that Lahaina’s families have the support they need to thrive, nurturing connections that strengthen our island’s future.
Together, Aloha Amplified and Mālama Maui ‘Ohana Foundation bring you Lights for Lahaina—a moment to honor what was lost, celebrate what remains, and illuminate the promise of Lahaina’s future.
Taylor Kim
Guests are welcomed to the beach, with lantern-making stations, local food trucks, and live Hawaiian music. Supplies and guidance are provided for all ages.
Jordan Lee
Bells ring across Lahaina, followed by a traditional Hawaiian chant and a moment of silence. Community leaders and cultural practitioners offer words of remembrance.
Morgan Rivera
Participants gather at the shoreline to release lanterns into the ocean, honoring loved ones and sharing messages of hope. All are invited to join in reflection.
Avery Chen
A unity circle forms on the sand, with candles and soft music. Attendees are encouraged to connect, share, and support one another in a peaceful setting.
Casey Tran
Volunteers and guests help collect lanterns and clean the shoreline, ensuring the beach remains beautiful and safe for all. Supplies are provided.
Riley Park
Enjoy time with friends and family, connect with local organizations, and learn more about ongoing recovery efforts. Everyone is welcome.