A pilot took to the skies to highlight the scale of the destruction after deadly wildfires swept through Hawaii.

Thousands have been evacuated and at least six people have died during the wildfires.

Footage taken over Lahaina, on the island of Maui, shows the scale of destruction with the pilot comparing the scene to "Baghdad or something"."

Huge plumes of smoke obscure the area as the once colourful town has been rendered a grey and ashy mess.

Whole communities have been destroyed by the fire and those blocked off by fire in the dangerous areas have been advised to go clockwise around the island.

Parts of Maui have been left without power, cell phone reception or landline coverage, as firefighters continue to battle the blaze.

Intense winds carried the flames across parts of the island sending thousands to flee.

Officials from Maui County have confirmed that at least 271 structures have been damaged or destroyed by the fires in the town of Lahaina.