I'm Evelyn and have been in the Travel Industry for over 4 decades, I’d like to share my personal story of Maui and what it means to me. I’ve needed to wait to write this as I knew it would be emotional and needed to have quiet time to fully compose my thoughts beyond the sheer shock that so many of us have felt for everyone effected by this tragic event.

It has now been over 3 weeks since that unthinkable evening and day when 1,000’s of Lahaina residents lost their possessions, homes, family members (death toll is still rising) and their peace of mind and serenity. Many local families have passed down their ancestral homes for generations in this treasured land filled with enormous Hawaiian historical relevance. Lahaina was the beloved home, battleground and playground of King Kamehameha III.

For me, it was always as if you could just sense in the air the spirit of those that had called Lahaina home for decades. It was the center of the Hawaiian Islands for trade in the early 1820’s- 1840’s and grew into a whaling village that saw it’s influence continue way beyond inception.

I had the opportunity and privilege to share in the beauty of this Island while I lived in Hawaii and worked for a Hotel, then for a Destination Management Company in the mid to late 1980’s, which often had me on the Island showing off the various historical and beautiful off- site venues, restaurants in Lahaina for possible dine-around evenings and sharing the many activities that visitors could enjoy should they choose the destination for their group. Yes, this time in my career was all about “Maui No Ka Oi”. Then while being involved in opening two luxury resorts on Maui, one during the early 90’s and yet again during the years of 2008-2011. Of course, also having enjoyed some personal vacations over the years that have provided countless unforgettable memories with loved ones.

Lahaina always managed to steal everyone’s heart, with all the quaint shops, art galleries, vast selection of local Hawaiian food hot spots and the emerging culinary scene for finer dining experiences. It just had something for everyone! The visitors to the Island, always took photo’s along Front Street (formerly known as Kings Rd.), at the Historical Baldwin Home Museum, at the Pioneer Inn, walking along the ocean’s beach path admiring the boats or while scheduling time to go snorkeling, fishing or on a Sunset Cruise, and then inevitably stopping to admire one of the world’s oldest, most beautiful and largest Banyan tree’s which just took your breath away.

I feel so grateful for having these beautiful memories of this unforgettable place, and how I also learned to respect the Land (Aina), the culture, and most of all the people who shared their home, legends/stories through Hula and Hawaiian music and in sharing knowledge of their traditions so freely with those of us who wanted to embrace and bottle their Aloha Spirit to take with us.

So, if you have shared in any of these same feelings of love, warmth, pride, appreciation for this destination and it’s OHANA (many who will be re-building physically and mentally as well for many years to come) please join me in contributing to the “OHANA Hotel Employee Fund.” I’m launching it with my own donation for workers within the Hotel Industry which has given me an amazing career. No Hotel is success without the teamwork of those on the Front and Back of House teams to make every vacation a memorable one for you and your families. I want to make sure that some donations go directly to those in workers who provide their personal Aloha each day to the visitors. There are many hotels/condominiums in West Maui including our colleagues at Aqua – Aston Hospitality amongst other hotels, who are housing employees who have no place else to have their families stay during this extremely challenging time. The funds will be administered and distributed with the help of my colleague Koleka Kahoohalahala with Aqua-Aston Hospitality in increments of $150 to help with groceries, gas, clothing, children necessities, or other misc. needs.

We realize there are many worthy causes and organizations so, donate wherever you can to help and lift up the residents who have been effected during Maui’s recent Wildfire. Once again Maui No Ka Oi, Lahaina will rise from the ashes stronger. I pray that all affected feel the Aloha also being returned to them sent from all around the world. You contributions will be deeply appreciated by me and everyone who qualifies to receive the funds.

Mahalo Nui Loa for your support!