Hawaii Wildfires: Mapping the Destruction in Lahaina

A raging wildfire tore through the island of Maui in Hawaii this week, forcing the evacuation of thousands, killing at least 67 people and turning this historic tourist town into charred ruins.

Here is what Lahaina looked like less than a year ago, a vibrant and popular destination for tourists and home to treasured artifacts of the town’s history.

In an analysis of satellite imagery, The Times identified about 1,900 structures that had been visibly damaged or destroyed by the blaze.

A brush fire was first spotted on Tuesday near Lahaina Intermediate School. Though officials reported a few hours later that it was contained, strong winds from Hurricane Dora rekindled the fire, propelling its quick spread through the town.

The fire flattened entire neighborhoods.

It also destroyed a temple and a pagoda at Lahaina Jodo Mission. Yayoi Hara, whose father has been the minister there since the 1960s, told The New York Times that she and her family fled on Tuesday night.

Front Street, which runs along the shore, was at one point engulfed in flames. The area is usually bustling with tourists who come to browse, shop and dine.

Many shops along the street were severely damaged.

Nearby, one of Lahaina’s most cherished landmarks, a 150-year-old banyan tree, was badly scarred by the wildfires, but still standing.

The town’s heritage museum, in front of the tree, was burned hollow. It housed artifacts from before the rest of the world knew Hawaii existed.

Officials said that the recovery could cost billions of dollars, but with hundreds of homes and irreplaceable relics lost, many fear it will not be possible to completely rebuild the town. “It’s all gone,” said Maui’s mayor, Richard T. Bissen Jr., referring to what was left of Lahaina.