Lahaina Town Before The Fire - Photo Memories Of My First Year on Maui
Lahaina has a special place in my heart. That’s where my Maui story began when I came to Hawaii in search of adventures after leaving Russia in 2009. I didn’t know anyone on the island and Lahaina welcomed me with aloha giving everything I needed - a place to live, a job, and friends! I feel grateful for the time I spent there.
Unfortunately, Lahaina town was destroyed by wildfires on the August 8th 2023. Deadly fires took lives of many people who didn’t have enough time to evacuate. Thousands of people lost their houses, jobs, businesses…
In this post I would like to share some photos from my first year living on Maui. After a few months working in a coffee shop and pizza place on Front Street I bought my first DSLR camera which I took with me almost anywhere I went to capture the amazing surroundings of Maui.
Beautiful views of Lahaina town and Mala Wharf Boat Ramp, 2010.
Coconut trees on Front Street that sadly were cut off a few years ago
Mala Ramp
My first job on Maui! Hula Girls Caffe at Lahaina Marketplace… Amazing experience… good times!
Front Street was famous for its vibrant atmosphere, historical significance, crowds of tourists and beautiful ocean views.
Lahaina has incredible sunsets… As a photographer I find that the colors of Lahaina sunsets are more vibrant; most of the photos below don’t even have any color-grading!
505 Beach and views of Lahaina Harbor and Breakwall, 2010.
Very special place for many surfers and ocean lovers. Anytime you come to surf there are always some waves. That tree was a life saver in the afternoon when the sun is the strongest. I don’t know yet if the tree survived the fire but I really hope so!
Wahikuli Road, 2010. That’s where I lived my first two years on Maui. Crazy times!
Wahikuli Wayside Park, 2010.
Lahaina Canoe Club
Wahikuli Road at sunset, 2010.
It’s hard to believe what has happened to Lahaina, its history, its people… In my memories Lahaina remains vivid and beautiful… I’m looking forward for its rebirth and transformation.
“Ancient legend paints a picture of a magical bird, radiant and shimmering, which lives for several hundred years before it dies by bursting into flames. It is then reborn from the ashes, to start a new, long life. This is the majestic phoenix.”
