by Hazel Reyes

HONOLULU, United States, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- The smell of charcoal dominated the air where Lahaina's Pioneer Inn hosted visitors from around the world for over 120 years.

"There's nothing left, not even a stick of wood," said Chantal Weaver, daughter of the former owner of the hotel. "Everything has been burnt to the ground. If it weren't for GPS no one would have any idea where the hotel stood because there is no reference point whatsoever. Front Street, Wharf Avenue, Lahaina Luna Road, everything is gone."

Lahaina's Front Street is one of the most popular attractions in Maui Island with many stores and restaurants, as well as a lot of historical sights. However, in a devastating hurricane-driven wildfire scorching Maui since Tuesday, the street and the seaside town were all burning down to the ground.

As tears began to well in her eyes, Weaver said: "The people of Lahaina need our kokua (help) to get through this catastrophe. The Aloha Spirit in Hawaii shines light into the darkness of every tragedy and exchanges beauty for ashes in the worse of times."

The Aloha Spirit is at the heart of the Native Hawaiian value system which sees treating everyone with love and kindness as the basis for all societal interaction.

"I encourage everyone to give as much as they can," Weaver told Xinhua in an interview by phone on Friday.

On Friday, the town of Lahaina looked like an ash heap. It was razed flat by the wildfires that continue to ravage the island of Maui seemingly without end and claim the lives of 93 at last count.

As reports roll out across the globe documenting the wholesale destruction, the island of Maui churches, charitable entities and private businesses statewide came to work hand in hand in bringing relief to those affected by wildfires.

Even with 80 percent of the fires contained, flames still leaped up in stubborn pockets across this island. Maui County said in its news release Friday afternoon "the Lahaina fire is not yet contained."

Although unspoken, most officials and relief workers traveling the area believe that the death toll could skyrocket, adding seemingly endless heartbreak to a community already overwhelmed with grief.

About 46,000 residents and visitors have flown out of Kahului Airport in West Maui since Wednesday, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, which is freeing up precious resources for those who don't have the option to leave.

As thousands flee this beleaguered island back to safety, those left behind face continued deprivation and no hope for energy, running water or internet service anytime soon.

The population of Lahaina is 12,702 as of the 2020 U.S. Census.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green gave a dismal prediction on power restoration in hard pressed Lahaina. "We're talking about more than just days. We're talking about weeks or months, in some cases, to get energy fully restored."

Barbara Tengan, senior pastor of The Wailuku Door Of Faith and president of The Maui Christian Ministers Association, saw her church as a sanctuary quickly filling with goods donated from across the state and entrusted to her care for distribution to those in need.

"The spirit of Aloha is the spirit of love spread by kind actions! When the worse happens, the Aloha Spirit arises," she told Xinhua.

Kandi Miranda, the founder of the Hawaiian Donut Franchise USA, took a very tough financial hit when her popular Lahaina gas station was reduced to ashes during the firestorm that blazed through Lahaina Tuesday.

The licensed psychologist, undaunted by her own losses, remained determined to reach out and help others. Profits from her Hawaiian Donut Shops on Maui and Oahu would be donated to relief efforts in Lahaina Town, and she was spearheading the collection of food and blankets for distribution to areas especially hard hit by the fires when Xinhua reached her on Wednesday.

In addition to her practical contributions, Miranda is volunteering her professional services to the many shell-shocked survivors rescued from disaster areas and suffering from a litany of challenges ranging from sudden displacement issues to post traumatic stress.

On her charitable efforts, Miranda said she was just "in the hopes that others will be inspired to give."