PHOTO: The Maui Fire Department is investigating after a large fire destroyed a brand-new restaurant in Kahului.
The fire broke out just before 2 a.m. Friday at Rey’s Place, the former Plantation Grindz and before that, Dairy Queen located on Lono Avenue.
“They just started knocking the door, and all they said was, ‘The restaurant!’ And I thought I was late. I said, ‘It’s too early.’ And then they said, ‘No, it’s on fire!” And I was like, ‘What?!’ That was just reaction... I thought I was dreaming actually,” said restaurant owner Renato Acob.
Images of the fire show flames shooting out of the structure and heavy smoke filling the night sky. Upon arrival, firefighters said the structure was over 70% involved.
MFD said crews worked to knock down and control the fire for about two hours until they were able to extinguished the blaze just after 4 a.m.