Is Maui on fire today? Brush fire near Kaʻanapali burns 33 acres, sparks smoke alerts
On august 4, 2025, at approximately 11:40 a.m., a brush fire ignited in the Puʻukoliʻi area above Honoapiʻilani highway near kaʻanapali, Hawaii. The fast‑moving flame scorched 33 acres and prompted the immediate closure of the highway and evacuation warnings for local neighbourhoods.
By 2:10 p.m. firefighting officials reported forward progress halted, though smouldering debris continued to produce smoke impacting nearby roads. lanes on the highway reopened around 2:40 p.m., and evacuation orders were lifted by 3 p.m.. Flight cancellations and disruptions occurred at Kapalua airport due to dense smoke and traffic delays.
As of the latest official alert, Maui is not under widespread wildfire, but this localized event has raised air quality concerns and renewed public vigilance.
Maui brush fire: context amid Lahaina wildfire recovery
The brush fire occurred less than two miles north of Lahaina, the site of the devastating 2023 wildfires that claimed over 100 lives and destroyed more than 2,200 buildings across 17,000+ acres, with an estimated cost of USD 5.5 billion. That disaster exposed gaps in emergency planning and infrastructure that community efforts are still addressing in the recovery process.
Two years after the Lahaina wildfires, recovery remains uneven. according to a recent Maui recovery survey from Uhero, many residents are still facing displacement, financial hardships and unmet needs, while others report stabilization in housing and livelihood.
The latest brush fire serves as a reminder of continued vulnerability across west Maui and the importance of coordinated monitoring and mitigation strategies.
Health risks and air quality concerns
Even though the brush fire was contained swiftly, smoke generated from burning brush and debris poses real health risks. wildfire-related fine particulate matter (pm₂.₅) can aggravate asthma, bronchitis, cardiovascular conditions and other respiratory illnesses, especially for the elderly, children and vulnerable individuals.
State health authorities monitor pm₂.₅ at over 50 locations throughout lahaina and surrounding neighbourhoods, particularly in the context of debris removal from the 2023 fires. Although current air quality levels remain below thresholds of concern, residents are encouraged to take precautions when smoke is visible, such as wearing n95 masks or limiting time outdoors.
What residents and visitors should know now
- Maui is not on fire island‑wide — the fire was contained within a limited area above kaʻanapali, and no structures were damaged
- Temporary evacuations and road closures were issued for safety amid smoke exposure and firefighting activity
- Air quality remains stable, though visible smoke may require caution and protective measures like n95 masks or indoor air filtration
- Public alerts are active — residents are urged to check the path, zone alerts and updates via the maui county civic alerts or the genasys protect app
Why this matters: wildfire risk remains in fire‑prone Maui
Even as recovery from the lahaina inferno continues, fire risk in west maui remains elevated due to dry conditions, seasonal trade winds and vegetation build‑up. local leaders have boosted emergency response capacity, including expanded fire department budgets, staffing and inspections since 2023.
This incident underscores the need for vigilance, especially as tourist traffic resumes and natural hazards persist. emergency agencies continue to refine evacuation protocols and air quality guidance to better protect residents and visitors.
FAQ
Is Maui on fire right now?
No—a small brush fire in the puʻukoliʻi area was contained within hours. there are no active wildfires across the island.
Where did the fire occur?
Above honoapiʻilani highway near kaʻanapali, in west maui.
How many acres were burned?
Approximately 33 acres. no structures were damaged.
Why is air monitoring important after a brush fire?
Smoke from vegetation and debris can elevate pm₂.₅ levels, posing risks to respiratory and cardiovascular health.
What should residents and visitors do?
If smoke is visible, wear n95 masks, limit outdoor activities and use indoor air purifiers to reduce exposure.