Originally Posted by UAPremierGuy

I haven't really been able to bring myself to write much. I feel such a deep connection to Maui. I am blessed to have been to Lahaina many times, and have stayed at this hotel. I hope the birds in the lobby were evacuated. I am beyond grateful that the staff and guests were safely evacuated. This hotel was a value point on an increasingly expensive island. The hotel was not the luxury resort I have been blessed to stay in multiple times elsewhere on the island, but it was special and historic. As a former firefighter, I remember staying here and thinking it was a tinder box, and evacuation would be tough. Staying here, I got more of the local experience. I dined at "down the hatch" across the way until late at night with the locals living life, as opposed to the traditional resorts. I am still processing my version of this tragedy, but my heart truly goes out to all those affected. I love you, Maui. #mauistrong