Rarotonga turned up in the wind and rain as part of a combined effort to support the fire destroyed town of Lahaina, in Maui, Hawaii.

The fundraising event at Trader Jacks on Saturday raised $10,000, and more money is expected to pour in as, weather permitting, this weekend, there will be a boiler swim and V6 Vaka rides, in aid of  Lahaina, and its residents. 

The rebuilding process has begun across Maui - following the devastating wildfires that killed at least 115 people and displaced thousands more.

The destructive fire in Lahaina that started more than four weeks ago was declared contained over the weekend - according to an update issued by the County of Maui. 

The fire has burned an estimated 2,170 acres. Its path of destruction and damaged or destroyed, more than 2000 structures, leaving hundreds of people missing. 

The people of Hawaii have also reached out to the Cook Islands in times of disaster - now the people of the Cook Islands are giving back.

Maui Ikaika Mau Loa “Maui Forever Strong” (Maui Fires Fundraising Appeal) saw a mix of live entertainment, activities, live and silent auctions and Hawaiian cuisine at Trader Jacks from 12 noon on Saturday.

Dozens of musicians shared their sounds across two stages.

Other scheduled activities had including a boiler swim (gold coin donation) and Oe Vaka mini paddle experiences but rough weather forced their postponement to this coming weekend. 

Proceeds from the fundraiser will be going to a Maui fund, and will be held in trust.