Hawaii wildfires: Here's what we know about the victims

An avid musician, loving grandmothers, and an inspiring father are among the victims of the devastating Hawaii wildfires identified and named by Maui officials.

At least 115 people have died and authorities have warned the death toll could climb in the coming days.

Officials say identifying those lost in the wildfires is expected to be painstakingly long.

To date, they have publicly identified 46 people who died in the blaze.

Before families were notified, they spent days posting on social media in hopes of finding loved ones.

Here's what we know so far about those who were lost.

Joe Schilling

Joe Schilling, a 67-year-old Lahaina resident, went by many names: "Joe, Maui Joe, Uncle Joe, Funkle", according to a Facebook post from his sister, Penny Schilling.

"He had the hugest heart and was ready to assist anyone in need," she wrote. "The last two weeks of my husband's life, Joe took off work and came over to help me during a most difficult time. I wouldn't have made it through without him."

Ms Schilling told local news her brother died while trying to help his elderly neighbours to safety amid the blaze.

Joe Schilling's friend Corie Bluh told ABC News the two were texting as wildfires reached his Lahaina residence, the Hale Mahaolu Eono apartment complex.

"We are trapped can't see a thing plus when you try to breathe it burns your lungs," Mr Schilling wrote.

He is survived by his brother Dan Schilling and sister Penny.

Buddy Jantoc

"His family and his music was everything" to Buddy Jantoc (in the centre)

Buddy Jantoc, a 79-year-old Lahaina resident, was an avid musician.

His eldest granddaughter, Keshia Alakai, told a local ABC station that "his family and his music was everything" to him.

His family said he toured on the US mainland with Carlos Santana, percussionist Pete Escovedo and guitarist George Benson. Dubbed "Mr Aloha", he would play bass guitar at hula competitions. His flat, filled with instruments, resembled a music store.

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Mr Jantoc lived at Hale Mahaolu Eono, a low-income senior housing complex. He was legally blind and had difficulty hearing.

The family started to worry when they did not hear from him. Ms Alakai told The New York Times "I had a bad feeling".

"I'm hoping he was asleep," Shari Jantoc, his daughter-in-law, told the newspaper. "I hope to God he did not suffer."

Mr Jantoc is survived by two sons, multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Melva Benjamin

Before authorities identified 72-year-old Lahaina resident Melva Benjamin as one of the victims, her family and friends had been posting a "missing" photo of her and her boyfriend on social media.

Her daughter-in-law, Janell Benjamin, shared photos of Ms Benjamin with her grandchildren, writing on Facebook: "Can someone please wake me up from this nightmare…still holding on to hope."

Ms Benjamin was last seen evacuating from her home.

Online tributes poured in after her death was confirmed. Friend Bernadette Garces Kaai wrote: "thank you for the memories and beautiful heart".

Alfredo Galinato

Alfredo Galinato was reported missing 9 August, a day after the deadly blaze swept through the historic town of Lahaina.

His son, Joshua Galinato, posted pictures seeking information about the 79-year-old Lahaina resident.

"We are still searching for my father and hoping for his safe return," he wrote.

Mr Galinato's last known location was the family's home which, along with his vehicle, went up in flames, according to his son.

A GoFundMe page for the family now says: "We are grateful to finally hear about our father's remains but saddened that he has not joined us in safety."

Mr Galinato's other son, John Galinato, posted a tribute saying: "I love you and I thank you for everything you did for the family you are inspiration."

Donna Gomes

Donna Gomes (third from left) with her family

The family of Donna Gomes remembers the 71-year-old matriarch as a strong and independent woman.

Ms Gomes grew up in Lahaina and was trying to flee her home of 15 years when the wildfire took her life.

"Not only have we lost our homes, but our family is also grieving the loss of our family backbone," wrote her oldest grandchild, Tehani Kuhaulua.

Ms Gomes had the biggest heart - full of tough love, her grandchild wrote.

"Some of her oldest friends know her as 'the bull' - no one could tell her what to do," she said.

She would have turned 72 on 15 August.

Tony Takafua

Tony Takafua was just seven years old when he died, trapped in a car with his mother and his mother's parents, all of whom died with him.

Their bodies were discovered in a burnt car near their Lahaina home, Hawaii News Now reported.

The family issued a statement: "On behalf of our family, we bid aloha to our beloved parents, Faaso and Malui Fonua Tone, as well as our dear sister Salote Takafua and her son, Tony Takafua. The magnitude of our grief is indescribable, and their memories will forever remain etched in our hearts."

Virginia Dofa

Virginia Dofa, of Lahaina, was a 90-year-old grandmother.

On 10 August, Jona Arafiles shared a post on social media requesting people to get in touch if they see "Grandma Virginia Dofa".

The County of Maui and Maui Police Department later confirmed she was one of the wildfire victims.

Others named by police

Robert Dyckman, a 74-year-old Lahaina resident

Douglas Gloege, a 59-year-old Lahaina resident

Juan Deleon, a 45-year-old Lahaina resident

Rodolfo Rocutan, a 76-year-old Lahaina resident

Jonathan Somaoang, a 76-year-old Lahaina resident

Danilo Sagudang, a 55-year-old Lahaina resident

Conchita Sagudang , a 75-year-old Lahaina resident

Angelita Vasquez, an 88-year-old Lahaina resident

Todd Nakamura, a 61-year-old Lahaina resident

Bernard Portabes, a 75-year-old resident Lahaina resident

Salote Tone, a 39-year-old Lahaina resident

Faaoso Tone, a 70-year-old Lahaina resident

Maluifonua Tone, a 73-year-old Lahaina resident

Bette Jo Dyckman, a 73-year-old Lahaina resident

Rebecca Rans, 57-year-old Lahaina resident