Maui wildfires updates: President Biden, first lady get firsthand look at damage

The fires burned thousands of homes and commercial buildings to the ground.

ByMark Osborne, Meredith Deliso, Morgan Winsor, Nadine El-Bawab, Mary Kekatos, Kevin Shalvey, Jolie Lash, Ivan Pereira, and Kiara Alfonseca
Video byJulian Kim and Emmanuelle Saliba
Last Updated: August 21, 2023, 2:00 PM EDT

The deadly wildfires that erupted on the Hawaiian island of Maui on Aug. 8 have become the deadliest natural disaster in state history, officials said.

The blazes spread rapidly due to very dry conditions stemming from a drought combined with powerful winds. Much of the historic town of Lahaina has been "destroyed," officials said, and the inferno has burned thousands of residential and commercial buildings to the ground.

Maui Wildfires
ABC News, AP, Nasa

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news developed. All times Eastern.
Aug 17, 2023, 5:36 am

Maui Strong: Charities to directly support wildfire relief efforts

On Thursday, "Good Morning America" and ABC News organized efforts to help viewers get involved in relief efforts for survivors of the Maui fires.

"Good Morning America" is helping raise awareness for Maui fire relief efforts.
ABC News

How to help:

-- Maui Strong Fund

-- Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement

-- University of Hawai'i Foundation

-- Kokua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund for Maui

-- American Red Cross/ABC

-ABC News’ Kelly McCarthy

Aug 16, 2023, 11:55 am

What we know about the victims

Over 100 people have died from the devastating wildfires on Maui. Officials have warned that the death toll is expected to rise as they work to contain the active blazes and assess the damage.

Click here to read what we know about some of the victims.

PHOTO: In an undated photo, Buddy Jantoc, center, is seen with his granddaughter Keshia Alakai and her husband.
In an undated photo, Buddy Jantoc, center, is seen with his granddaughter Keshia Alakai and her husband. Courtesy of The Family of Buddy Jantoc
Courtesy of The Family of Buddy Jantoc

Aug 10, 2023, 12:31 PM EDT

United cancels inbound flights to Kahului Airport, as airlines add extra flights from Maui

In the aftermath of the Hawaii wildfires, airlines flying to Maui have added extra flights to take people off the island. United Airlines canceled Thursday's inbound flights to Kahului Airport so planes can fly empty and be used as passenger flights back to the mainland.

Other airlines told ABC News they are continuing their scheduled operations and have issued waivers or flexible travel policies.

The Federal Aviation Administration said it is monitoring the fires and winds, but operations remain normal. According to FlightAware, 14 flights at Kahului Airport have been canceled and 18 are delayed.

-ABC News' Clara McMichael

Aug 10, 2023, 11:21 AM EDT

Chaos at Maui's main airport as hundreds try to leave

Hundreds of people spent the night at the Kahului Airport on Maui, after local authorities asked everyone who does not need to be on the island to leave amid raging wildfires.

Many raced to the airport on Wednesday only to find out that their flights had been canceled or delayed. So, they slept there on the ground, on baggage carts and on X-ray machines -- whatever they could find that was relatively comfortable.

People gather at the Kahului Airport while waiting for flights Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, in Kahului, Hawaii.
Rick Bowmer/AP

Some people told ABC News that they are hoping to fly out on Thursday. Others said they were informed by airlines that they won’t be able to get on flights until the weekend.

One mother told ABC News that she has rented a car that she will sleep in with her two young children for the next two days. But that, she said with a tear in her eye, is nothing compared to losing your house or the life of a loved one.

-ABC News' Will Carr and Timmy Truong

Aug 10, 2023, 10:46 AM EDT

Hawaii governor to tour wildfire damage on Maui

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green is scheduled to arrive in Maui early Thursday.

Green is expected to hold a joint press conference with Maui Mayor Richard Bissen after touring the wildfire damage.

-ABC News’ Alyssa Pone

Aug 10, 2023, 8:01 AM EDT

3 wildfires remain active, uncontained on Maui

There are three active wildfires burning on Maui as of late Wednesday, according to Maui County spokesperson Mahina Martin.

Martin told ABC News that those fires are still not contained, though improved weather conditions have helped the situation.

An aerial view shows wildfire smoke in Lahaina, Hawaii, U.S., in this screen grab obtained from a social media video released on August 10, 2023.
Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke via Reuters

There was no update for the number of acres that the blazes have burned. The Kula fire was a little over 1,000 acres as of early Wednesday.

-ABC News' Alyssa Pone

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