KULA, Hawaii — When sparks lit the deadliest wildfire in modern U.S. history in Lahaina, another corner of this island had been spewing smoke all night.
Hawaii
An overlooked Maui community realizes ‘no one is coming to save you’
The second inferno, which destroyed much of the treasured town of Lahaina and claimed 100 lives, quickly overshadowed the calamity in Kula. In the days and months that followed, the Upcountry fire faded from the spotlight and residents grew frustrated with a government bureaucracy stretched thin as it reacted to multiple disasters at once.
Even though the Kula fire is still burning — in root systems and buried debris, occasionally bursting into the open in terrifying flare-ups — the attention of many across the island, state and nation has ebbed, drawn to other pressing issues.
“It’s amazing how many people, even on Maui, will still come up to Kula and go, ‘Oh, my God, I had no idea,’” said Kari McCarthy, who lost her home of 40 years to the August fire.
Nearly six months later, the overlooked story of Kula shows the challenges that officials, aid organizations and residents face in the age of successive, cascading natural disasters. But Kula has also become a case study of a community’s ability to at least partly fill the breach left by overwhelmed government agencies. A dedicated group of neighbors have banded together, formed nonprofits, enlisted heavy machinery to clean up burned properties, and worked to prevent landslides on charred hillsides. And they are looking toward the future, seeking to rid the land of the invasive plants that fueled so much destruction.
Their actions, funded by donations and volunteers, could be instructive for other places — such as Lahaina, which faces a much longer road to recovery — looking to rebound from past disasters and prevent future ones.
“There’s been a mass reckoning of ‘No one is coming to save you,’” said Kyle Ellison, who founded the nonprofit Malama Kula after his family’s house nearly burned in August. “For a long time, people looked to government like it was their job to take care of everything. But the best course of action is not to go through elected officials, it’s to stand up and do it. If we want anything done, just stand up and do it.”
‘We are not going anywhere’
McCarthy and her husband moved from California to Kula in the 1980s, and their patch of land along the Pohakuokala Gulch felt safe and secluded. Their A-frame home reminded McCarthy, a painter, of Lake Tahoe.
But the fire turned her landscape from muse into miasma. Flames destroyed her home and many of her paintings. And they forced her from the place where she was still mourning her husband, who had died a year earlier, and caring for her 91-year-old mother, who has aphasia and mostly uses a wheelchair.
Even after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cleared much of the rubble and debris — one of more than two dozen sites the engineers worked on in Kula — random wreckage still remains, impeding any rebuild and standing as a constant reminder of what was lost.
Friends and neighbors, many of whom McCarthy met only as they tried to keep the blaze at bay with garden hoses, have stepped in to help, working to clean up the spots federal contractors left behind and renovating nearby rental units where she and her mother now live.
“It really teaches you what’s important,” she said of the disaster, which has made her skeptical of the government’s capacity to lead response efforts. “But I would put the community in charge of anything.”
Ellison points to McCarthy’s property as an example of what’s missing in the U.S. approach to disaster cleanup, which typically operates in two phases: the removal of hazardous waste and the disposal of toxic debris. Ellison, a tall and animated 39-year-old who has been a fixture at community meetings, has been advocating for a third phase, which would involve cleaning up any remaining fire flotsam — burned washing machines, melted satellite dishes and tons of torched trees.
One of the community’s biggest frustrations has been the limits of the Army Corps’ removal mission, which was confined to a structure’s ash footprint. This means, Ellison said, that swaths of large properties and vacant land had yet to be cleared of burned material, leaving areas around house sites exposed to toxic debris.
Army Corps spokesperson Rick Brown said that federal guidelines determine what can be removed from a property and that the agency had cleared “all eligible debris” from the Upcountry sites.
“So there may be outlying debris on a property, but via the process and guidelines, it was deemed ineligible,” the spokesperson said. “Non-eligible debris is the responsibility of the property owner.”
Brown said insurance companies and Maui County should determine the next steps.
“If they’re ‘done,’ who comes in and cleans it all up?” Ellison asked. “I know you have to draw the line somewhere, I do understand it, but is that in the best interest of the neighborhood as a whole?”
Even the power of an engaged and organized public has its limits. Some of the uncleared sites are dangerous, Ellison said, and volunteers shouldn’t be expected to sort through arsenic-laden ash. If a homeowner’s insurance policy includes debris removal, officials said they should be able to use if for any material that still needs clearing, but not everyone has that coverage.
These issues are not abstract policy matters for Ellison, like many Kula residents. The fire burned much of the area around his family’s home and covered the house in ash. His 8-year-old son now fears the red of his night light because it reminds him of the blaze that forced the family to flee. And just last month, embers smoldering underground mere feet from Ellison’s front door burst into 12-foot flames, as if to confirm his children’s nightmares: The fire is not yet done with Kula.
In weekly community meetings, convened in the cafeteria of Kula’s elementary school, officials have sought to reassure residents that the continued cleanup will remain a priority.
“I appreciate all of the shortcomings you bring up when we come here,” Richard Bissen, Maui County’s mayor, said at a recent gathering. “We recognize those, and we can do a better job.”
Bissen said that the county will continue to work with the community long after federal agencies leave and that his team is attempting to juggle Lahaina’s nascent recovery alongside Kula’s. He said the county will help Kula residents finish clearing their lots, but he did not provide a timeline.
“Everybody’s working as hard as they can, as best as they can,” he said. “No one is forgetting to do stuff. We’re just doing something else instead of that right now. But we pledge that we are not going anywhere until that all gets cleaned up.”
While the fires in Lahaina and Kula, along with the neighboring Upcountry community of Olinda, were all triggered by winds from the same storm, the disasters are distinct. So are the recoveries.
Kula — where the population is much smaller and, on average, less diverse and more wealthy than that of Lahaina — is further along than the former capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Far fewer structures were destroyed and no one was killed. Residents will soon be able to apply for permits to begin rebuilding, a step far in the distance for most in Lahaina.
But disaster cleanup is not the only priority Upcountry. People like Ellison and the newly formed Kula Community Watershed Alliance, a group of more than 120 residents, are also using the fire as an opportunity to pursue long-sought restoration projects that would protect the town from future disasters.
Their first concern is the place they believe the Kula fire began: the yawning Pohakuokala Gulch. The region used to be one of Maui’s most diverse ecosystems, covered in koa and other native trees. But years of deforestation and the introduction of invasive species such as black wattle and eucalyptus radically changed the area around the gulch.
The wattle, introduced by federal government experiments in the late 1800s, sucked nutrients from the soil, dried up waterways and crowded out native plants that were more fire resistant. The gulch and the forest around it became a bonfire pit waiting for a spark. This was, said Sara Tekula, the watershed alliance’s executive director, the disaster before the disaster.
Now the gulch is full of burned trees and unstable soil, the alliance says, and it presents a looming risk — not only to nearby homes but also to some of the island’s most delicate ecological areas.
The edges of the gulch, still lined with houses, are eroding into the bed below, part of the Waiakoa watershed, which eventually drains into the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, home to important and endangered species that could be further imperiled if inundated by fire debris.
“We’re working really hard to prevent secondary disasters and to make it better than it was before the fire,” Tekula said.
The alliance — whose members include restoration ecologists, conservation experts and former national park employees — has begun turning burned and invasive trees into wood chips and spreading them over acres that would otherwise easily erode. Tekula has applied for a host of grants to fund this work, and she is urging local and federal governments to join the effort.
Officials have praised the alliance and signaled they would partner with the group going forward. The U.S. Agriculture Department has approved about $16 million in funding for environmental damage Upcountry, including nearly $3 million earmarked for erosion control along the gulch. But the program is still weeks from beginning.
“We’re just trying to keep our whole neighborhood from washing away,” Tekula said.
After natural disasters, particularly wildfires and hurricanes, residents often decide the risk of a repeat catastrophe is too great to rebuild. Some acknowledge the land was never suitable for homes in the first place. Tekula insists this is not the case in Kula. Most people plan to stay, she said, and the community now has a window — before the invasive plants return and more storms roll in — to build something more resilient.
“This is savable,” she said, standing near the burn scar. “That’s what makes it urgent.”
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Honolulu
Authorities in Hawaii have charged a 36-year-old man with murder in the killings of three people in a remote community known for its eclectic, communal lifestyle.
Jacob Daniel Baker was charged with counts of first- and second-degree murder Saturday, the Hawaii Police Department said in a news release.
Baker remained jailed without bond Sunday and police said his first court appearance was scheduled for Monday. It was not immediately known if Baker had an attorney who could speak for him.
Charges in the killings came two days after police apprehended Baker following a manhunt on Hawaii’s Big Island, where the three victims were found in the rural Puna community known for its tropical landscape and free-spirited residents.
Robert Shine, 69, was found dead Monday partially submerged in a cement pond, according to police. The second victim, a 79-year-old man, was discovered Tuesday a few hundred feet away. Friends identified him as Chitta Morse.
Police found the third victim, 69-year-old John Carse, late Tuesday at a property 19 miles from where the other two bodies were located.
Police have not given a suspected motive for the killings. Hawaii Police Chief Reed Mahuna has said investigators found no connections among the victims other than that two of them lived near each other.
In addition to the murder charges, Baker also faces counts of burglary, auto theft and criminal damage to property.
The killings left residents on edge in Puna, a community set amid lush jungle and barren lava fields where people seeking to live off-grid commonly trade work for lodging.
Puna resident Stephen Shaffer said that Baker had worked for his ex-wife, climbing coconut trees on land where she grows fruit, in exchange for a place to live. After several months, Shaffer said, his ex-wife sought a restraining order against Baker, saying she felt threatened by him.
Donald Hyatt, a friend of Shaffer’s ex-wife and of two of the men killed, said Baker left the cabin where he had been living months ago. Hyatt said that Baker recently returned claiming “squatter’s rights” and threatened Shaffer’s ex.
Just days before the killings, two women had requested temporary restraining orders against Baker, saying he had threatened and harassed them, according to court records. A judge denied both applications, saying there was not enough proof of harassment.
Court records showed Baker named in 20 other cases in the past two decades, many of them traffic infractions. In most of those cases, Baker had no attorney and represented himself.
Hawaii is home to a wide range of towns that give older adults relaxing ways to enjoy their retirement years. Across the islands, retirees can find communities with easy access to healthcare and outdoor recreation. Coastal towns like Kailua-Kona and Līhuʻe offer ocean views and nearby medical care. Inland communities such as Waimea and Makawao provide cooler weather and an easier rhythm. Retirees may be drawn to smaller places with a strong community feel, while those wanting more services may prefer regional hubs like Hilo. Together, these Hawaiian towns offer a mix of natural beauty and everyday comforts.
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona is a coastal town on the Big Island of Hawaii with fewer than 25,000 residents. It continues to attract retirees thanks to its warm weather and ocean access. Areas like Kealakehe and Holualoa are still growing, with new subdivisions adding more housing options for people who want to stay long-term.
Most medical care is provided by the nearby Kona Community Hospital, and clinics throughout the Kona district offer additional services. Some of the main landmarks are Kailua Pier, Huliheʻe Palace, Kamakahonu Beach, and Kona Commons Shopping Center. These spots help residents stay active year-round.
Hilo
Hilo is a well-known retirement-friendly community on Hawaii Island, known for being easy to walk around. With about 48,000 residents, according to recent Census data, Hilo is a regional center for healthcare, education, and government services, which helps create long-term stability for residents.
Hilo Benioff Medical Center is the main hospital for East Hawaii and provides most of the area’s healthcare. There are also outpatient and senior care services, such as the nearby Life Care Center of Hilo.
People in Hilo often spend time at places like Wailoa River State Recreation Area, Hilo Farmers Market, Liliʻuokalani Gardens, and Rainbow Falls. These spots are close to neighborhoods like Waiākea and Keaukaha.
Waimea
Waimea is a small inland town on Hawaii Island with fewer than 10,000 residents. Because it sits at a higher elevation, the weather is cooler, with daytime temperatures usually between 70 and 80°F and nights that feel much cooler.
Residents have access to healthcare through local clinics and services linked to Queen’s North Hawai’i Community Hospital in Waimea, which provides essential care for the area. The town has strong connections to Parker Ranch, one of the country’s largest ranches, as well as nearby ranchlands. Waimea attracts retirees who want a quieter inland setting, strong community organizations, and fewer people.
Līhuʻe
Līhuʻe serves as Kauai’s administrative and service center and has fewer than 10,000 residents. The town plays a central role in healthcare and government operations across the island. It is just 30 minutes from Hanapepe and offers retirees a small-town feel, with natural scenery all around.
Wilcox Medical Center is the largest hospital on the island and provides care for residents throughout Kauai. Notable landmarks include Kalapaki Beach, Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai Museum, and Kilohana Plantation. Together, these sites support recreation, tourism, and community events across the area.
Kapa’a
Kapaʻa sits on the east side of Kauai and has about 11,000 residents. It is easy to get around on foot, with everything you could need close by. The town serves as both a place to live and a hub for businesses in the area.
Residents can access healthcare at local clinics such as The Clinic at Kapaa or at Wilcox Medical Center in Līhuʻe. Some well-known spots in Kapaʻa are Kapaʻa Beach Park, the Sleeping Giant Trail, Coconut Marketplace, and Wailua River State Park. Coconut Marketplace has a Farmer’s Market twice a week, plus live local music. Hula classes and shows are also a local favorite offered at Coconut Marketplace.
Kailua
Kailua is a residential area on the windward side of Oahu with fewer than 50,000 residents. The town is known for its easy access to beaches and well-established neighborhoods such as Enchanted Lake and Coconut Grove.
Residents have access to healthcare through nearby hospitals in the Honolulu area. Adventist Health Castle, which is located in Kailua, is one of the main options. In addition, Kalapawai Market is a local favorite to grab coffee, ube scones, and other treats.
Kailua is home to many beaches for swimming and watersports, including Kailua Beach Park. Lanikai Beach is a public beach within a residential neighborhood, with no lifeguards, restrooms, or public parking lot. For walking and biking, Kawainui Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular dog-friendly wildlife sanctuary with a scenic trail.
Haleʻiwa
Hale’iwa is known for its slower pace and strong connection to Oahu’s North Shore coastline. This historic North Shore town is said to be the quirkiest and has a population of under 5,000. It maintains a small commercial core while serving nearby rural communities.
Healthcare is available through clinics in Waialua and through The Queen’s Medical Center – Wahiawā in central Oahu.
Notable landmarks in Haleʻiwa include Haleʻiwa Beach Park, a popular spot for fishing and sunset views, and Waimea Bay, known for its large winter surf and summer swimming conditions. The nearby Banzai Pipeline draws surfers from around the world during big-wave season on Oahu’s North Shore. Residents also spend time at Haleʻiwa Aliʻi Beach Park, which has picnic areas and shoreline walking paths.
Wahiawa
Wahiawa is a central Oahu community with a population of roughly 17,000. It sits between the island’s north and south regions, and provides a quieter inland setting while still allowing access to both Oahu’s north and south coasts.
Healthcare in Wahiawa is available through in-town facilities, such as The Queen’s Medical Center – Wahiawā.
Local landmarks include Lake Wilson, where residents fish and kayak, and the Wahiawa Botanical Garden, known for its large tropical trees and walking paths. Nearby Schofield Barracks remains one of the largest military installations in Hawaii and shapes much of the area’s economy. Residents also rely on Whitmore Village for local businesses, neighborhood services, and access to agricultural areas outside town.
Makawao
Makawao is a small town in upcountry Maui with fewer than 10,000 residents. Its higher elevation gives the area cooler temperatures than much of coastal Maui, especially during the evenings.
Makawao maintains a rural atmosphere while still keeping residents close to shopping and healthcare in nearby Kahului and central Maui for routine and specialized care.
Residents enjoy art galleries, and nearby access routes to Haleakalā National Park, which draw both residents and visitors into Maui’s upland landscapes. The community also gathers around Oskie Rice Event Center, which hosts rodeos and local events throughout the year, while Pukalani Country Club provides golf and recreation with views of central Maui.
Pāhoa
Pāhoa is a small town on Hawaii Island with fewer than 1,000 residents. The community has a slower pace of life and a strong local character shaped by East Hawaii’s volcanic landscape. Residents access healthcare through clinics in nearby Hilo and facilities connected to Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation in East Hawaii.
Local landmarks include Lava Tree State Monument, where lava formations surround walking paths through tropical forest, and the historic downtown which still contains several older storefronts and small local businesses such as Tin Shack Bakery. Nearby Pohoiki Black Sand Beach has become a popular coastal gathering area following recent volcanic activity, while the former Ahalanui Park site (destroyed by the Kīlauea lava flow in 2018) remains an important part of the region’s history and shoreline identity.
Honoka’a
Honokaʻa is a small plantation-era town on the Big Island of Hawaii. With fewer than 3,000 residents, its historic main street reflects its sugar industry past with preserved storefronts and a compact town center that still serves the surrounding Hamakua Coast communities.
Residents access healthcare through Queen’s North Hawai’i Community Hospital in nearby Waimea, which provides essential services for the region.
Along the main corridor, residents frequent shops such as Tex Drive-In, known for its malasadas, and Cafe Il Mondo, a long-running local café. The nearby Kalōpā State Recreation Area offers forest trails and native vegetation, while the Hamakua Coast provides scenic coastal drives with waterfalls and ocean views. Routes toward Akaka Falls connect the town to one of the island’s most visited natural landmarks.
Hawaii Retirement Across the Islands
Retirement spots in Hawaii are found across the islands, each with its own pace of life. Towns like Kailua-Kona and Līhuʻe keep residents close to healthcare, services, and coastal scenery, while places such as Waimea, Makawao, and Honokaʻa offer quieter inland settings with strong local character. Others, including Hilo, Kapaʻa, and Haleʻiwa, balance everyday conveniences with beaches, parks, markets, and community gathering places. As people in Hawaii look for more space, fewer crowds, and reliable access to care, these towns show how varied retirement living can be across the state.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A new optical illusion is taking shape in Kalihi.
Commissioned by Kamehameha Schools, the mural will feature plants and trees native to the area. The artwork aims to highlight how forestry can exist within urban areas.
Coincidentally, the new artwork sits adjacent to one of Kalihi’s most famous murals: Wave 01/101.
The artist Kai’ili Kaulukukui plays with depth and shadow, creating an optical illusion on the flat face of a building.
“The painting style is called ” trompe-l’œil”, it means ‘trick the eye’,” says Kaulukukui. “It’s been around for 2000 years. They have images of trompe-l’œil style murals at Pompeii, so it’s a very old style.”
Kaulukukui said he’s always been intrigued by the art style, though this is his first time painting it.
“They’re both kind of environmental themed murals,” he said. “This is bringing an image of what a forest could look like in the city. That is like an homage to Pipeline and our beautiful waves that we have here.”
The 55-foot-tall mural is expected to be completed by Sunday, May 31.
After this project, Kaulukukui will start an ocean-themed mural just one street over, bringing a bit more nature into urban Honolulu.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
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