At least 100 charred bodies have been recovered from the ruins of Lahaina, the popular tourist destination in the exotic Hawaiian island of Maui that was leveled by the devastating wildfire.

According to US media, only two bodies have been identified, while only 3% of the disaster zone has been searched so far.

Before the disaster, Lahaina (or Lele in the ancient native dialect) was an exotic paradise, a dream for those planning a trip to Hawaii with traditional luau celebrations, surfing lessons and horseback tours.

Hawaiian lahaina

Lahaina was the former capital of Hawaii, and the old town – which no longer exists – was a US National Historic Landmark.

Hawaiian lahaina

I gasped

Also, many famous Hollywood films were filmed against the backdrop of Lahaina’s magnificent landscapes – such as Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.

Hawaiian lahaina