'Miracle' historic Lahaina church untouched by Maui wildfires that killed 96

14 August 2023 , 23:43

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Maria Lanakila Catholic Church on Waine street is seen untouched in the aftermath of a wildfire in Lahaina (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

A church left unscathed by devastating wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui has been branded a "miracle."

The island's historic town of Lahaina was burned to the ground after wildfires swept across the north west of the island, fuelled by high winds from Hurricane Dora. As of Monday, August 15, a total of 96 lives have been lost - with harrowing images showing residential houses, businesses and the town's harbour and boats entirely decimated.

However, amongst the apocalyptic scenes, the Maria Lanakila Catholic Church, which opened in 1846, stands tall and largely unscathed. Video from the scene, show the Catholic church undamaged by flames and smoke among masses of burnt rubble and blackened palm trees.

Viewers hailed the church's survival an act of God, with one TikTok viewer writing: "A def sign from God. He is with you. Hold on and keep that faith. we are all praying for you.”. Another added: "Wow. God continues to give signs even during the storm."

Members of the church’s community also expressed their gratitude on Facebook, with parishioner Jeffrey Chang writing: "May She be the beacon of hope…to help the rest of the community."

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Another added: "May she be the beacon of hope to the people of Lahaina!!!! Praise the Lord… upon this rock I will build my church!!! come and follow me."

Lahaina's iconic banyan tree has also emerged as a symbol of hope after wildfires spread rapidly throughout the area, decimating the historic Front Street as people lost homes and loved ones. Lahaina was hit particularly hard by one of the most serious blazes, which swept into the area on Tuesday, August 8. Devastation in Lahaina included nearly every building on Front Street, the heart of historic Lahaina and Maui's economic hub.

Maria Lanakila Catholic Church, on Waine street, in the aftermath of a wildfire in Lahaina (AFP via Getty Images)

But the giant banyan tree still stands. It was just an eight-foot sapling when it was planted in 1873 as a gift shipped from India, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the first Protestant mission in Lahaina, which was Hawaii's capital at the time. Its sprawling branches, some of which now stretch more than 60 feet, have provided shade to many generations on the island.

The hall of historic Waiola Church in Lahaina and nearby Lahaina Hongwanji Mission are engulfed in flames (AP)

John-Mario Sevilla, 60, grew up in Maui, and would often visit Lahaina with his family. Speaking to NBC News he recalled sitting in church as the ocean breeze blew in through open windows, and watching traditional dancing under the banyan tree.

Much of Lahaina was destroyed by the fire, displacing hundreds of families who are coming to terms with potentially having lost everything. Among the damage was the historic tree, which marked the place where King Kamehameha's first palace stood.

A man sits on the Lahaina historic banyan tree damaged by a wildfire (AP)

As the fires began to die down, photos were posted online of the tree, burned but still standing. Some said it shows the resilience of Hawaii and its residents. "Banyan Tree in Lahaina smouldering at the base, but still standing. Just about the only thing left, other than the Lighthouse," said Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday, August 10.

On Friday, August 11, Maui officials posted updates saying that the tree is "charred", and said: "It's said that if the roots are healthy, it will likely grow back, but it looks burned yet standing."

Abigail O'Leary