Hi I Try Chai readers, this is just a brief update on what’s been going on and why there hasn’t been new content lately (including a new top 10 list this year).

Front Street, Lahaina

August 8, 2023

I’m born and raised in Lahaina, Maui Hawaii and that is also where I Try Chai is based. As you may have seen on worldwide news, a devastating fire destroyed my hometown on August 8, 2023 and quickly became the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century.

I woke up that morning to no power, cell service, or internet due to the hurricane strength winds tearing through the island. The view of smoke came later that afternoon and then police came to evacuate us towards 2am. We had no idea the extent of this fire and no news, the few vague updates we received were from a windup radio in our emergency kit in between sets of songs. Our side of the island was cut off from the resources and supplies we needed for weeks. It’s absolutely heartbreaking to see the town my entire life has taken place just… gone. Levelled. It still doesn’t seem real, like a bad nightmare I want to wake up from. I’m beyond devastated for all who lost their homes, including 50+ of my close friends. I lost my job, along with so many others. Lahaina will never be the same 💔 The outpour of support has been incredible, but as the months go on the news turns away from the ongoing issues of a devastated town with it’s people displaced, no jobs, and other issues that have arisen from this terrible disaster.

One common saying that has come from this event as we attempt to move through this is Lahaina Strong. So in honor of my beloved Lahaina town, I’ve created these Lahaina Strong stickers. I designed 2 variations, the classic I Try Chai colors as well as an island edition. Available in 4 sizes, these are perfect for your car, iPad, phone, laptop or water bottle to show your love and support for Lahaina, Maui 🩵 These stickers are waterproof, scratch, and UV resistant ☀️☔️ (Let me know if you’d like these designs on t-shirts and mugs as well!).

Mahalo for reading this far, I hope to be able to post more in 2024 as life settles down and as I enter a new chapter beyond Lahaina. ☕️