People gather Thursday off the shores of Lahaina to do a paddle out to remember the 102 victims who passed away on Aug. 8, 2023. DAMIEN PEREZ/ The Maui News photo

By Damien Perez Staff Writer

LAHAINA – Lahaina hosted a paddle out in memory of the lives lost in the Aug. 8, 2023, fire which ravaged Lahaina and parts of Kula.

Three to four thousand paddlers and viewers organized and gave friendly smiles to one another as a sense of relief spread in Hanaka’o’o Park across from the Lahaina Civic Center.

People honoring the victims lined up elbow to elbow several rows deep. Attendees were lined as far down on either side of the park as one could see.

Boards line the shore as paddlers prepare to pay tribute to fire victims Thursday in Lahaina.

The sound of conch shells filled the air as surfers, paddle boarders, canoes, and boats found their way into the ocean to pay tribute to those who were lost one year ago today.

The paddle out brought confidence to the myriad of attendees that if someone could make it a year after such a devastating tragedy, then anything can be accomplished.