'We're going to survive and it's going to come back': A year after Maui wildfire, survivors press on

Residents of Lahaina, on Maui , have faced challenges, practical and emotional, since the fire.

The deadliest U.S. wildfire in a century decimated the historic town on Aug. 8, 2023 .

To mark the anniversary, The Associated Press interviewed seven survivors its journalists first encountered in the days , weeks or months after.

They also have found hope, resilience and determination.

Mike Vierra spent sleepless nights fretting about where his wife, Leola , and their daughter would live when he was gone.

Leola Vierra and her daughter moved multiple times after the fire.

The Vierras, married 57 years , also couldn't find their beloved cat, Kitty Kai .

Ai Hironaka left behind his home and the Japanese Buddhist temple where he was resident minister and caretaker.

Losing those buildings and being uprooted has tested him as a Buddhist .

Fire captain: "For the most part, we’re able to always win" "We respond to fires all the time,” he said. “That’s what we do." Jordan Ruidas was seven months pregnant when last year's fire destroyed Lahaina .