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Kaanapali brush fire: Maui firefighters battle blaze, Honoapiilani Highway closed| Photos
Maui firefighters are battling a brush fire burning above Kaanapali, Hawaii. Photos show large plumes of smoke rising near the popular resort destination.
UPDATE: A brush fire reported near Honoapiʻilani Highway and Kakaʻalaneo Drive in Kaanapali, Maui, has prompted emergency officials to issue an evacuation order for Zone MAW-465.
The evacuation alert states, "This is an emergency evacuation order. Brush fire reported in your area mauka of Honoapiilani Hwy and near Kakaalaneo Drive in Lahaina. LEAVE IMMEDIATELY. There is dangerous threat to life and property. Do not delay. Evacuate now and drive away from fire. Smoke and debris may be hazardous. Follow instructions from officials and stay informed."
In addition, a precautionary advisory was issued to residents in nearby Zone MAW-545: “Brush fire reported in your area mauka of Honoapiilani Hwy and near Kakaalaneo Drive in Lahaina. No evacuation orders are in place, however be prepared to evacuate, and if you need additional time, go now. Smoke may be hazardous.”
ORIGINAL STORY: Maui firefighters are actively battling a brush fire burning above Kaanapali, Hawaii, as thick smoke blankets the area.
Photos shared online show large plumes of smoke rising near the popular resort destination.
Authorities provide details
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Maui County Fire Department confirmed, “There is a brush fire above Kaanapali. Maui firefighters are on scene and attacking the fire. Please avoid the area and be alert for updates from officials.”
Honoapiilani Highway has been closed to support firefighting efforts.
"Honoapiilani Highway will be closed in the area of the fire to allow the helicopters to draw water from the ocean for firefighting operations,” the fire department added.
Maui Emergency Management Agency confirmed that no evacuation orders are in place.
“Brush fire reported in your area, mauka of Honoapiilani Highway near Kakaalaneo Drive in Lahaina. No evacuations currently in place; however, be ready to evacuate if necessary,” MEMA said in a post on X. “A Kaʻanapali fire mauka of Honoapi’ilani Highway near the old Sugar Cane Train warehouse closed at 12:22 p.m. both lanes of Honoapiʻilani Highway between Puʻukoliʻi.”
