Two years after the devastating Maui wildfires tore through Hawaii in 2023, young people in the area are still struggling with serious mental health issues. The flames destroyed homes, schools, and entire communities in Lahaina, leaving lasting scars on kids and teens who lived through the chaos.
Take 16-year-old DayJahiah Valdivia, for example. As an intern with the Maui Hero Project, she helps run programs at Kahākūahi Ocean Academy in Lahaina. “The wildfires changed everything,” Valdivia shared during a recent chat. “We lost so much, and it’s hard to shake the fear.” Her story highlights how youth mental health challenges in Hawaii persist, with anxiety, depression, and PTSD showing up more than ever among survivors.
Experts say the trauma from the wildfires hits young minds hardest. A new report from the Associated Press, drawing on insights from Honolulu Civil Beat, CalMatters, and Centro de Periodismo Investigativo, reveals that access to counseling remains spotty. Many families face long waitlists for therapy, and schools are overwhelmed trying to support students. “Kids need help now, not years from now,” says a local counselor working with wildfire-affected youth.
The Maui wildfires killed over 100 people and displaced thousands, but the emotional toll on Hawaii’s children keeps growing. Community groups like the Maui Hero Project step in with activities such as art therapy and ocean-based healing sessions to build resilience. Still, experts call for more funding to tackle these youth mental health challenges head-on.
If you’re in Hawaii or know someone affected by the wildfires, resources like the Hawaii Crisis Line (988) offer free support. Stories like Valdivia’s remind us that recovery takes time, but hope is alive in Lahaina’s rebuilding efforts.
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