Vava Lapota, a Tongan town officer from Neiafu, Vavaʻu, who narrowly escaped Hawaiʻi’s deadly Lahaina wildfire in 2023, has returned to the devastated town two years after the tragedy that claimed 102 lives.
Among the victims was a Tongan family of four—Fa’aoso Tone, Malui’fonua Tone, Salote Tone, and Tony Takafua—who perished in their vehicle near their home.
Lapota, who described himself as the last Tongan to flee before authorities locked the gates to prevent more vehicles from entering the fire zone, arrived back in Lahaina this week after spending the last two years in Tonga.
“I was nervous at first, but growing up with hurricanes in Tonga—and with the fire raging in those strong winds—I managed to stay calm,” Lapota told Kaniva News.
Lapota, who is visiting his brother in Lahaina, said he was amazed by the rapid recovery of the fire-damaged area, noting how beautiful it looked.
He shared poignant images of flags lining the roadside, the Tongan banner among them, standing as a tribute to those lost in the August 8, 2023, disaster.
His emotional return comes as the community continues to mourn the lives lost in one of the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history.
Authorities confirmed that all 102 victims have been identified, but two individuals remain unaccounted for as of February 2024.
The tragedy left deep scars, particularly for the Tongan community, which lost multiple members in the disaster.
Lapota’s survival and return serve as a poignant reminder of both the devastation and resilience of those affected.
As Lahaina slowly rebuilds, survivors and families of the victims continue to seek closure and healing.
Lapota said: “This place holds so much pain, but also the memories of those we lost.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, while officials emphasise ongoing efforts to improve emergency response and wildfire prevention measures.
