by 
By Audrey Smith
I landed back on Oahu for my second year at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa on August 10th. This was two days after the tragic wildfires burned across Maui. During my first few days on island news was pouring in about the devastating losses across the island, specifically in Lahaina. I searched for any way that I could help the people of Maui whose lives had been put on hold from this record breaking catastrophe. I did my best to spread the word about donation sites and ways to get involved but I still felt that I wasn’t doing enough.
I boarded the Kilo Moana on August 27th knowing very little information about what the coming days would look like. The first stop that we made was in Maui to deliver life-saving generators that would be used to create a makeshift medical center for those impacted by the fires. Watching the crew put in such hard work to help those in need was a surreal experience. Being on the front lines and witnessing such selfless people taking time out of their expedition to help strangers in despair is something I will never forget.
If there is one good thing that came out of this tragedy it is that the community here in Hawai’i will always find a way to prevail. The people of Maui and all the neighbor islands dropped everything to take care of their Ohana’s. I am forever grateful that I was able to be a part of this team of amazing and caring individuals. I hope to carry this experience with me as I return to my life on Oahu and be as selfless as the crew of the Kilo Moana was when families needed them.
Photo Credit: Audrey Smith
Photo Credits: Jose Cuevas
