New Trees Take Root in Lahaina, Hawaii, Two Years After Devastating Wildfires

Arbor Day Foundation and The Outdoor Circle distribute more than 580 trees in collaboration with Treecovery Hawaii to help restore canopy on Maui.

LINCOLN, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On the two-year anniversary of the deadly wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii, the Arbor Day Foundation launched its effort to help replant lost tree canopy. The Foundation distributed more than 580 trees alongside its local planting partner The Outdoor Circle, in collaboration with Treecovery Hawaii and The Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows.

“Recovery from a wildfire of this scale can take years, but the Arbor Day Foundation is committed to being here for the long haul. We’re proud to work alongside the passionate advocates at The Outdoor Circle to help regrow a flourishing community canopy,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “We know trees won’t replace all of what’s been lost in Lahaina, but they can help grow new roots of resilience and nurture hope for the future.”

“The Outdoor Circle is honored to help re-tree Lahaina after the tragic fires of 2023. The support from United Airlines and the Arbor Day Foundation has allowed our organization, in conjunction with Treecovery and the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows, to be able to provide hundreds of free trees to the Lahaina community as part of the ongoing recovery. Partnerships like these are essential to keep Hawaii green and beautiful and we look forward to seeing the positive impact these trees will have throughout the local community for years to come,” said Dr. Myles Ritchie, Programs Director, The Outdoor Circle.

"To have a chance to work with The Outdoor Circle and The Arbor Day Foundation on replenishing the loss of fruit trees in Lahaina is amazing. Partnerships like this make long term recovery efforts possible," said Duane Sparkman, Founder and President of Treecovery Hawaii, Chief Engineer at Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows.

Trees were distributed to community members and families affected by the wildfire that struck on August 8, 2023. The disaster remains one of the deadliest in Hawaii’s history, claiming more than 100 lives. The wildfire also caused approximately $5.5 billion in damage and destroyed more than 2,200 structures on the island of Maui.

Friday’s event at Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows was also designed to help address local food insecurity. According to the Hawaii Foodbank, 30% of households in the state are food insecure — approximately twice the national average. As part of the effort to increase the availability of fresh, healthy food, 94% of the trees distributed Friday were fruit or food producing trees.

The Arbor Day Foundation has been heavily invested in assisting disaster-affected communities and forestlands since Hurricane Katrina made landfall in 2005 and has planted and distributed millions of trees as a result. The work has aided recovery efforts following wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods.

Restoring tree cover after a wildfire isn’t quick or easy. Fire damages the land so severely it can take years before trees are ready to be planted. Visit arborday.org to learn more about the long road to recovery after a wildfire and what it takes to replant a forest.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners.

And this is only the beginning.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

About The Outdoor Circle

The Outdoor Circle is Hawaii's oldest environmental nonprofit, having advocated for the planting and protection of trees across the state since 1912. Since then, The Outdoor Circle has planted and given away hundreds of thousands of trees across Hawaii and works closely with the community to ensure that trees continue to be a major feature throughout the state. To learn more, please visit outdoorcircle.org.

About Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows

Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows is one of Maui’s first resorts, unfolding across 27 acres of sun-kissed, tropical gardens on the world-renowned Ka’anapali Beach. The intimate property, once the preferred retreat for Hawaiian royalty, remains independently owned and curated by locals who share the values of the islands. With stunning panoramic views of neighboring islands, Lanai and Molokai, and premier access to over a mile of secluded Ka’anapali Beach, the intimate oasis offers 333 guest rooms and 127 private bungalows, exquisite open-air dining, the dazzling Myths of Maui Luau, The Spa at Royal Lahaina, two serene pools, recreational and tennis/pickleball courts, an adjacent golf course, and above all, its hallmark warmth of personalized hospitality with aloha. The resort invites guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and rich culture of Maui, offering a restoring and re-energizing blend of relaxation and adventure. For more information, please visit www.royallahaina.com | @royallahainaresort or call 808-661-3611.