Two Years On, Maui's Youth Still Struggle With Mental Health After Deadly Wildfires

Two years after the catastrophic wildfires tore through Maui in August 2023, the island's teenagers are still grappling with deep mental health scars.

The blazes destroyed thousands of homes and displaced entire families, leaving adolescents wrestling with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression.

Experts warn the crisis is worsened by ongoing school disruptions, unstable housing and a chronic shortage of mental health services. Behind the postcard views of recovery lies a hidden emergency that few outside Maui can see.

Lingering Impact on Youth Mental Health

Mental health specialists say many teens continue to relive the disaster through nightmares, panic attacks, withdrawal from friends and crushing grief.

A 2024 University of Hawaii study found that more than half of children showed signs of depression, nearly one in three were likely suffering an anxiety disorder, and almost half of kids aged 10 to 17 were experiencing symptoms of PTSD.

Psychologists stress that Maui's youth are carrying a double burden — emotional trauma layered with the practical strain of trying to rejoin school and community life amid instability.

Their struggles underscore how long recovery can take, and how disasters can reshape childhoods long after the flames are gone.

Why the Battle Remains Hidden

Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers keeping Maui's teenagers from seeking mental health care. In Filipino, Latino and Native Hawaiian communities especially, cultural norms often discourage speaking openly about emotional pain.

Layered on top of that are too few providers, soaring living costs and chronic staff shortages, leaving many adolescents with little to no professional support.

The result is a silent mental health crisis, concealed from teachers, policymakers and the wider public — and dangerously easy to ignore.

Educational and Social Disruption

School displacement and interrupted learning have created additional stress for Maui's adolescents. Many students have moved multiple times between temporary classrooms and shelters, making it difficult to maintain consistent educational progress.

Teachers have reported that some students struggle to focus or engage in class, while social bonds with peers have been disrupted.

Education experts warn that these factors may have long-term consequences on academic achievement and future career opportunities.

As reported by ABC News, the Hawaii Department of Education estimates that more than a third of Maui students lost a family member, sustained a serious injury, or had a parent lose a job after the fires, which killed 102 people and damaged more than 3,300 properties in Lahaina.

Coping Mechanisms and Community Support

Despite the challenges, some adolescents are finding ways to cope through community and peer support. Programmes such as youth-led hotlines and outdoor therapy initiatives provide opportunities for adolescents to share experiences and build resilience.

Community organisations have also introduced culturally responsive practices, incorporating traditional Hawaiian and local approaches to mental health.

While these programmes offer valuable support, limited funding and accessibility mean that not all teenagers are reached.

Future Outlook and Risks

Mental health experts caution that without sustained intervention, adolescents affected by the Maui wildfires may face ongoing psychological and social difficulties.

Chronic anxiety, depression, and disrupted educational paths could limit future opportunities. Authorities emphasise the importance of expanding access to counselling, creating stable school environments, and providing culturally appropriate care.

The ongoing situation demonstrates that disaster recovery is not limited to rebuilding physical structures but must also address the emotional and psychological needs of young people.