Survivors of the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century know the island of Maui as more than palms, peaks, and waves. Beyond its vacationland veneer, the historic coastal town of Lahaina holds sacred sites for Native Hawaiians, and has for generations been home to various cultural groups and social classes.

Recovery will likely take years, says the governor. Thousands have gone without power in recent days or have been displaced in shelters. Painstaking search and rescue continues.

Yet just as grief follows tragedy, so does giving. Local and state residents, as well as mainlanders, have mobilized a range of donations to help residents, referred to as ohana, or “family,” in Hawaiian. An effort mostly led by Native Hawaiians has brought generators and other supplies to survivors by boat, as others help keep track of lists of missing persons.

“Generosity has just been overwhelming,” says Walter Chihara, a 50-year resident of Lahaina who lost his home.

Maui locals have raised their hands to help. Many have prepared free meals on the site of the University of Hawaii Maui College culinary arts program. On a recent kitchen shift, Truman Taoka diced vegetables.

There are “all these people from other parts of the island helping out,” says the Maui-born-and-raised volunteer. “We are a small community, so everybody knows somebody on parts of the island.”

Sports journalist Walter Chihara of Lahaina News has covered it all in his community on Maui’s west coast – swimmers, canoe clubs, and surfing stars. He’s spent five decades in the historic coastal town.

As of last week, however, much of his town is gone. That includes the space where he held Lahaina Dojo, teaching Japanese karate. Houses of worship and museums have disappeared. 

So has his home. 

Though his family is safe, Mr. Chihara says, “we’re really trying to find out about all the neighbors.”

Survivors of the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century know the island of Maui as more than palms, peaks, and waves. Beyond its vacationland veneer, Lahaina holds sacred sites for Native Hawaiians, and has for generations been home to various cultural groups and social classes.

Recovery will likely take years, says the governor. Thousands have gone without power in recent days or have been displaced in shelters. Painstaking search and rescue continues, meanwhile, as locals with missing loved ones are encouraged to submit DNA tests to help identify remains. Ninety-six people were confirmed dead as of Sunday night.