A California family’s vacation in Hawaii turned into a bloody nightmare: a crowd of local teenagers attacked them on the grounds of an upscale resort in Maui. The attackers shouted insults at the “haole” (a local term for white people or outsiders) and brutally beat the tourists, leaving one of them with a severe head wound, Metro writes.

The mass brawl broke out on July 17 on the grounds of the luxury condo hotel Kaanapali Alii in West Maui. Police responded to a call about a disturbance involving about 30 people near the complex pool.

Seven tourists from California, aged 17 to 62, told police they were attacked after a group of local youths began throwing outdoor furniture at them. As a result of the fight, at least six of the victims required emergency medical treatment.

By the time officers arrived, 10 to 15 people were still at the scene, many of whom showed visible signs of injuries and beatings, the Maui Police Department said.

The victims’ family is convinced they were targeted specifically because of their white skin color and insists that investigators classify the attack as a hate crime. However, police have so far been reluctant to officially give the case that status.

Family member Joseph Hadfield said the brutal attack was preceded by direct racist threats from a girl who appeared to be leading the group of locals: “There were three girls, one of whom was the instigator,” Hadfield said. “She was getting right up in people’s faces, screaming directly at them and saying, ‘Tonight we’re going to beat up your guys. We’re going to beat up these white boys.’”

According to Hadfield, the situation spiraled out of control instantly: the teenagers began using heavy plastic and metal pool furniture as weapons. “The kids just started beating people with chairs,” he recalled.

One relative tried to shield other family members but was struck in the head with a chair. Doctors later had to use 13 metal staples to close the laceration.

Reaction from authorities and resort owners

Relatives said the attack was the culmination of an entire evening of mounting tension. According to them, the same group of Maui teenagers had earlier harassed tourists near the Whalers Village shopping center before moving onto the hotel grounds.

Police arrested a 20-year-old resident of the town of Makawao on suspicion of causing bodily injury. However, he was later released pending further investigation by detectives.

“We understand how serious the consequences of this incident are for everyone involved, and we are committed to conducting a thorough, fair, and impartial investigation,” Maui police spokesperson Alana Pico said.