US President Joe Biden has met people affected by the recent wildfires on the island of Maui in Hawaii.

Search operations have been completed in 85 percent of the areas ravaged by the wildfires on August 8. Officials have confirmed the death of 115 people so far, but many others remain unaccounted for.

Biden arrived on Maui on Monday, and viewed the devastation from a helicopter for about 20 minutes.

He was briefed about the damage by officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, after observing burned residential areas, as well as the remnants of restaurants and shops on Front Street in the town of Lahaina.

He then met about 400 people, including residents who were affected by the wildfire.

Biden stressed that Maui will be rebuilt in a way the residents want. He said "whatever it takes, as long as it takes" and "we are going to get it done for you, but get it done the way you want it done."

A woman who lost her home said she was encouraged by Biden as he spoke with his own words and did not read a script.

Another woman said she hopes Biden will keep his word about rebuilding Maui the way the people of the island want.