The Long Road Home

This special series follows several Lahaina families on their emotional journey to rebuild their lives after losing everything in the deadliest American fire in more than a century.

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Mario Siatris and U‘i Kahue-Cabanting

David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

Occupation: Owners of Maui Grown 808

Their lives are entwined by the flowers they sell. And together they have big plans to rebuild a business and a life in Lahaina.

“Even though the house isn’t there, there is still the ground.â€

Mike Cicchino

Mike, Andreza and Ellie Cicchino are photographed at his mother’s house Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, in Waihee-Waiehu. The Cicchinos lost their family home in the Aug. 8 Lahaina fire. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023)
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023

Occupation: Owner of in-home dog grooming and daycare business

Unlike many displaced residents, Mike Cicchino has no intention of returning to Lahaina. But leaving Maui is not an option for someone who has spent most of their life there and has strong ties.

“Every time I talk to Red Cross, they kind of encourage me, ‘Well, why don’t you just leave the island?â€

There’s No Going Back To Lahaina For This Family
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

There’s No Going Back To Lahaina For This Family

But leaving Maui is still not an option for someone who has spent most of their life there and has strong ties.