Delta Air Lines is making a $250,000 contribution to aid in the disaster response and relief efforts in Maui as the death toll from wildfires rose to almost 100.
The carrier is providing financial support to American Red Cross efforts on the island and other areas of Hawaii coping with the destruction.
Hawaii governor Josh Green warned on Saturday that the number of victims could rise “significantly” with hundreds remaining unaccounted for.
The fires, brought on by strong winds as a result of Category 4 Hurricane Dora which passed 300 miles south of the Hawaiian islands, have been described as the deadliest in the US for more than a century.
More: Thousands of tourists evacuated from fire-hit Hawaiian island
The historic town of Lahaina has been devastated with more than 2,200 buildings destroyed and a state of emergency declared.
The wildfires have resulted in the evacuation of thousands of residents and visitors, and multiple closures of major roads on Maui.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) reported that at least 46,000 people have been flown out of west Maui since last Wednesday and urged holidaymakers due to stay in the region “in the coming weeks and months” to reschedule.
The authority said: “Hotels in west Maui have temporarily stopped accepting bookings of future reservations.
“At this time, many hotels are housing their employees and families until the fires in west Maui are fully contained and travel on the roadways is safe.
“These same hotels are preparing to house evacuees and first responders working on disaster recovery.
“While efforts are underway to restore basic services, like power and communications, visitors are encouraged to refrain from attempting to reach west Maui accommodations for reservation adjustments until the situation improves.”
The tourism body added: “Throughout this crisis, HTA will be providing communication updates to our travel partners – airlines, accommodations, ground transportation companies, activity providers, travel agents, and wholesalers, as well as to local and national media – to ensure the public is kept informed about travel to Maui and Hawaii Island.”
The non-profit Pacific Whale Foundation has been transporting supplies such as food, water, toiletries, baby items, and more in its vessels (pictured) for people who have have been stranded.
The organisation has also been providing transportation from Lahaina for those wanting to evacuate the area and established a relief fund.
Delta’s managing director of community engagement Tad Hutcheson said: “Delta stands in support of the people affected by the fires in Hawaii.
“We are thankful to have partners like the Red Cross that specialise in disaster response year-round and can help provide immediate assistance to those in need.”
The contribution is in addition to Delta’s $1 million grant to the American Red Cross as an annual disaster giving programme partner.
More: Thousands of tourists evacuated from fire-hit Hawaiian island