North kaanapali fire

Question

We are watching the smoke from a fire at the North Kaanapali Train Station.

Smoke keeps changing color from white to black to grey.

No helicopters or air craft assisting.

We are having light breezes.

Answer

That’s a very real concern. If you’re seeing smoke near North Kāʻanapali (or the historic Train Station area), it’s wise to treat the situation as potentially dangerous and act accordingly. I’m not aware of a public official status update for *your exact sighting*, but I can walk you through what to do — and what to watch out for — based on general wildfire and smoke-hazard guidance for Maui.

What we know (generally) about wildfires & smoke on Maui

Recent brush fires on Maui — including in resort-area communities like Kāʻanapali — have prompted “Smoke and Dust Advisories” from the Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH). During these events, air quality can become hazardous — especially for children, older adults, or anyone with respiratory or heart conditions.
Smoke can shift quickly — whitish smoke from light brush or vegetation fire might turn dark or black if heavier fuels or man-made materials burn; that could imply a more intense fire or burning of structures/materials, which may produce hazardous ash or chemical particulates. Your observation of changing colors (white → grey → black) is a possible sign of such variable fire/fuel conditions.
Authorities generally advise minimizing exposure: stay indoors, keep windows/doors closed, set air-conditioners to recirculate rather than bring in outside air, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity. Masks can help — ideally tight-fitting respirators (e.g. N95) not simple cloth masks — if you must go outside.

What you should consider doing now, while the smoke persists

Monitor official updates. Try to check local news, community social-media or county/state emergency-management channels for any warnings, evacuation orders or fire updates in Kāʻanapali/West Maui. If you hear sirens or get alerts, treat them seriously.
Limit exposure — keep indoors if possible. Close windows and doors; if you have air-conditioning, set it to recirculate rather than pull outside air. Avoid outdoor activity until smoke clears. This is especially important for children, since you mention you’re traveling with kids.
Use protective masks if you must go outside. If you need to leave your lodging — for air, supplies, or possible evacuation — wear a properly fitted respirator (e.g. N95) rather than a loose cloth mask, to reduce inhalation of smoke/ash particles.
Prepare for quick evacuation if needed. Keep essential items (IDs/passports, phone chargers, medications, water, etc.) ready. Leave if you see flames close, smell heavy smoke indoors, or if an official says to evacuate. Do not attempt to pass through smoke or ash-filled areas.
Protect your lungs and health. Avoid strenuous activity outdoors. Stay hydrated. If anyone in your group has asthma or breathing problems, consider moving away from the smoke zone entirely.

What to watch out for — why the lack of helicopters / aircraft doesn’t mean “all clear”

Just because you don’t see firefighting helicopters or air tankers doesn’t mean the fire is under control or that the area is safe. Sometimes:

Conditions (wind, terrain, visibility) may prevent aerial support. Fires near roads or populated areas may rely on ground crews first.
Smoke that lingers or changes color can mean smoldering fires, pockets of embers, or burning of vegetation/structures — all of which can reignite or produce dangerous ash/airborne particles.
A smoke plume traveling with wind may shift unpredictably; what seems like “just smoke” can quickly degrade air quality or visibility.

Given that, treating the situation as potentially serious — rather than assuming it’s “just a small fire” — is prudent.

In short — my advice for your situation now:

You are doing the right thing by watching carefully. For now, stay indoors as much as possible, protect yourselves if you go out (mask, recirculate air, etc.), and be ready to evacuate if things look like they worsen (flames, heavy smoke, official warnings). If the smoke lingers or you notice respiratory irritation — especially in children — strongly consider relocating to a clearer-air area (even if that means traveling to another part of the island). Your health and safety should take top priority; the relatively late smoke onset may signal unpredictable fire behavior and ash exposure risks.