kaanapali explosion
Share and Follow

KAANAPALI, Hawaii (KHON) – Seven people were injured, some critically, after an explosion at a Hawaii beachside resort Thursday evening.

The Maui Fire Department and Maui Police Department responded to the incident around 6:15 p.m. at a condominium on Kaanapali Beach in west Maui.

Officials confirmed the incident happened near the pool area of The Whalers condominium.

“Preliminary investigations suggest that the explosion may have involved liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which supplies common area BBQs,” MPD said. “Witness statements indicate a possible grill malfunction before the incident.”

kaanapali explosion
Birdseye view of debris caused by Kaanapali explosion on Feb. 20, 2025. (Courtesy: Austin King)

Paramedics with Maui Emergency Medical Services cared for the victims before transporting them to local hospitals.

Maui police said seven people between the ages of 18 and 74 were injured, including three in critical condition, and one was transported via medevac to Maui Memorial Medical Center’s emergency room.

One witness who was more than two buildings away said it sounded like a bomb went off.

“So we’re sitting having dinner … and suddenly we heard a loud boom and kind of almost a shake too, and we thought maybe it was an earthquake. The restaurant got quiet, people looking around,” said Lyndsay Bourcellot, a Maui visitor.

Video of the area shows an explosion happening outside near a swimming pool. Debris was also seen scattered near the beach.

Officials said there was no additional threat, though the public was asked to avoid the area.

The official cause of the explosion was undetermined and is under investigation.

Kaanapali Beach is in Lahaina, several miles from the historic town that was destroyed by a deadly wildfire in 2023.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Florida deputy with 25 years on force killed serving eviction notice; suspect, locksmith also shot: sheriff

Veteran Florida Deputy Fatally Shot While Delivering Eviction Notice; Suspect and Locksmith Also Wounded, Reports Sheriff

A Florida deputy sheriff tragically lost her life while delivering an eviction…
Florida serial killer fears spread after three women found dead in three days

Concerns Rise as Three Women Found Dead in Florida Over Three Days, Prompting Serial Killer Speculations

Authorities in Florida are addressing social media buzz concerning a supposed “serial…
Democrat defends herself after comments she 'hates' Nashville surface

Democratic Leader Responds to Controversy Over Alleged Comments About Nashville

A Democratic candidate vying for a Congressional seat to represent Nashville has…
Grammy-winning artist from famed hip-hop group jailed for 14 years

Grammy-Winning Hip-Hop Artist Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison

A Grammy-winning musician has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for…
Cruise ship death: Cheerleader’s stepmom could be forced to testify against her own son

Investigation into Cheerleader’s Tragic Cruise Ship Death Highlights Family Tensions and Raises Maritime Concerns

FBI probes Florida teen’s death on cruise ship Former FBI special agent…
Zelenskyy warns Ukraine faces ‘difficult choice’ as US peace plan hits major hurdle

Zelenskyy Cautions Ukraine on Tough Decisions Amid US Peace Plan Setback

Trump renews push for peace between Ukraine and Russia State Department representative…
Charge against Melodee Buzzard’s mom dismissed, ankle monitor removed as FBI hunts for missing 9-year-old

Charges Against Melodee Buzzard’s Mother Dropped; Ankle Monitor Removed Amid FBI Search for Missing 9-Year-Old

A woman from California, initially charged with using a box cutter in…
Family of man who coined 'genocide' fights institute using his name to accuse Israel of war crimes

Family Challenges Institute Over Use of ‘Genocide’ Creator’s Name in Israel War Crimes Allegation

A significant group of influential U.S. rabbis is calling on Pennsylvania’s Democratic…