Search of Maui reveals land obliterated by deadliest US wildfire in years

The hall of historic Waiola Church in Lahaina and nearby Lahaina Hongwanji Mission are engulfed in flames (Matthew Thayer/The Maui News via AP)

A search of the wildfire devastation on the Hawaiian island of Maui revealed a wasteland of obliterated neighbourhoods and landmarks charred beyond recognition as the death toll rose to at least 36, with an untold number missing.

A flyover of the historic town of Lahaina showed entire neighbourhoods that had once been a vibrant vision of colour and island life reduced to grey ash.