Continuing to observe the three-year anniversary of the 2023 Lāhainā wildfires, Lights for Lāhainā will return Friday and Saturday, September 11 and 12, from 4:30-9 pm at Maria Lanakila Catholic Church on 712 Waine‘e Street. The event brings the community together for two memorable evenings honoring Lāhainā’s history, resilience, and hope for the future. Presented by Aloha Amplified, Inc., a Hawai‘i-based nonprofit organization advancing initiatives that foster connection, economic vitality, and long-term resilience, the gathering builds on the inaugural Lights for Lāhainā event held in 2025.

“As a Lāhainā wildfire survivor, I know firsthand that healing does not happen alone,” said Kumu Wilmont Kamaunu Kahaiali‘i, cultural practitioner and board president of Aloha Amplified. “Many of our ‘ohana are still healing and finding their own path forward. Lights for Lāhainā gives us a place to gather, ho‘omana‘o those we love, share our mo‘olelo and draw strength from one another. As we ka‘i together, the lights remind us that although Lāhainā has changed forever, aloha still remains.”

The event will feature storytelling, quiet reflection and gentle mele honoring Lāhainā’s people, places, and mo‘olelo. Live entertainment will be provided by the Kahaiali‘i Brothers, Kevin Brown, Eric Gilliom & Friends, the Wilson Kanaka‘ole Trio, Marty Dread and Hammah House Band. Other highlights will include local food trucks and vendors, cultural practitioners, local community nonprofits, schools and groups, creative activities, ‘ohana bingo, and opportunities to contribute letters, artwork and reflections to the Lahaina Time Capsule.

Described as “a vessel to carry your messages into the future,” the time capsule invites people of all ages to contribute messages, drawings, photographs, memories and hopes for Lāhainā’s future. The submissions, in-person or online, will be preserved in an archival-grade time capsule scheduled to be opened on August 8, 2033, the 10th wildfire anniversary.

“The project honors what Lāhainā has endured while preserving the voices, memories and aspirations of the community for future generations,” said Kahaiali‘i. “September 12 will conclude with a Light March beginning at Pu‘unoa Beach at 6pm, continuing through historic Lāhainā Town to Maria Lanakila Catholic Church, with a kanikapila gathering featuring music by Lāhainā Style Band and ‘ono local food”.