Maui County’s unemployment rate rose to 3.1% in September 2026, up from 2.9% in August and 2.4% a year ago. The Kahului-Wailuku metro area gained 1,000 jobs year-over-year, while leisure and hospitality posted the largest statewide monthly job gains.
- Maui island unemployment rose to 3.1% in September, up from 2.9% in August and 2.3% in September 2025.
- Lānaʻi saw the sharpest local jump, climbing to 4.2% from 3.4% in August, the highest rate in Maui County.
- The Kahului-Wailuku metro area added 1,000 jobs year-over-year, reaching 74,800 nonagricultural jobs in September.
- Leisure and hospitality led statewide monthly job gains with 1,000 new positions added in September.
- Kauaʻi’s unemployment more than doubled to 5.1%, confirmed to be a direct result of Hurricane Lowell’s September damage.
Source: Maui Now
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