When I think of Maui, I remember how lush it was. The breathtaking colors and the scent of flowers carried by a light breeze and a touch of humidity made it a tropical paradise. I honeymooned there in the Napili/Ka’anapali area 35 years ago.

What is left of Lahaina is engulfed in black smoke. My heart aches for that sweet town. My heart also aches for the anniversary plans I surprised my husband with last week – 11 nights at the Hyatt Regency in Maui. I spent weeks arranging everything to be – just so.

Hurricanes have ruined my plans before. Our week in Cancun was spent inside due to torrential rains and wind, which closed the beach. It turned out to be caused by 3 hurricanes that were triangulated over Mexico. I was quite disappointed. Now that I think about it, our honeymoon would be in Cancun, but we changed plans and booked Maui instead. That was the year Hurricane Gilbert struck on Sept 15th, 1988 (two days before my wedding) and destroyed Cancun’s resort areas.

Now, one month before my 2nd honeymoon in Maui, hurricane winds and wildfires are destroying the island. I feel numb, like I am in shock. I need to book a plan B, but my heart isn’t in it. At least not yet.