A family of four was left homeless this morning after fire heavily damaged their Kahului home.

Half of the home was in flames when firefighters arrived for the 10:21 a.m. alarm at 547 Kunu Place, a Maui Fire Department spokesman said.

The fire started in the back of the 1,800-square foot, single-story structure and was under control by 10:51 a.m.

The parents and two children were home at the time, but able to get out safely. The American Red Cross was helping the family.

Firefighters estimated the fire caused $475,000 in damage to the home and its contents and heat caused about $10,000 in damage to a house next door. The cause of the fire was undetermined, but fireworks were ruled out, the spokesman said.