Lahaina Marks Wildfire’s Third Anniversary with Interfaith Service and Time Capsule
The Lahaina Interfaith Council will hold an Honor & Remembrance service on Aug. 1, 2026, ahead of the third anniversary of the 2023 wildfire. A community time capsule project and a two-day ‘Lights for Lahaina’ gathering in September are also planned. An interfaith remembrance service is scheduled for Aug. 1 at 9 a.m. at Lahaina […]
Wailuku Film Festival Draws 5,300+ Visitors in Debut Run
The inaugural Wailuku Film Festival ran June 17–21, 2026, attracting more than 5,300 attendees, screening 100+ films, and generating over 12.5 million media impressions. Wailuku businesses reported increased foot traffic and sales throughout the event. The five-day festival drew over 5,300 total attendees, with multiple screenings at the historic ʻĪao Theater selling out. More than […]
Decomposing Whale Carcass Poses Health Risk Along Molokaʻi South Shore
A humpback whale that died July 10 off Molokaʻi’s south shore is creating a public health hazard as tides move the remains along coastal areas. DLNR is urging residents and visitors to stay out of the water in the affected zone. DLNR is advising people to avoid the water along Molokaʻi’s south shore due to […]
DOH Issues Water Quality Advisory for Hanakaʻōʻō Beach in Lahaina
The Hawaii Department of Health has detected elevated fecal bacteria levels at Hanakaʻōʻō Beach in Lahaina, advising against swimming until levels drop below the safety threshold. The advisory remains in effect until retesting confirms contamination has subsided. Enterococci bacteria measured at 406 per 100mL — more than three times the 130 per 100mL safety threshold […]
Forbes Highlights Wailea’s Resorts and Activities as Visitor Draw
A Forbes travel feature spotlights Wailea’s luxury resorts, beaches, and cultural activities as key attractions for Maui visitors. The piece underscores ongoing demand for the south Maui resort corridor among high-end travelers. Wailea’s five crescent beaches, 270+ annual sunny days, and luxury resort strip continue to draw upscale visitors to south Maui. Major properties highlighted […]
Ali Wong Brings Stand-Up Shows to Maui Arts & Cultural Center July 30–31
Emmy-winning comedian Ali Wong will perform two nights of stand-up at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on July 30 and 31, 2026. The shows draw on material from her 2024 Netflix special ‘Single Lady.’ Ali Wong performs at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on July 30 and July 31. Wong is a two-time […]
HTA Awards Cultural Grants to Four Maui Nui Organizations
The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority has awarded cultural preservation grants to four Maui Nui organizations through its Kūkulu Ola program, part of nearly $900,000 distributed to 30 groups statewide. Funded projects run through year-end and include cultural programming accessible to both residents and visitors. Hāna Arts, Ka Ipu Makani Cultural Heritage Center, Kīpahulu ʻOhana Inc., and […]
New EV Fast-Charging Station Opens at Kapalua Airport
Four 150-kilowatt DC fast chargers are now operational at Kapalua Airport in Lahaina, making it Hawaii’s third NEVI-certified charging location. The installation is part of a statewide multi-site program covering airports and highways across all major Hawaiian islands. The EV charging station at Kapalua Airport officially opened May 13, 2026, with four 150-kW DC fast […]
Maui Relief Program Restricts New Applicants to Families with Kids Starting Aug. 1
Hawaii’s Department of Human Services is narrowing Maui Relief Program eligibility to households with dependent children under 18 as of August 1, after state disaster relief funds are expected to run out. The program has provided financial assistance to wildfire-affected households since October 2023. Starting Aug. 1, only households with children under 18 may submit […]
Maui’s Medical-Only Cannabis Rules: What Visiting Guests Need to Know
Hawaii requires all cannabis buyers — including visitors — to obtain a state-issued medical card (329 card) before purchasing at any of Maui’s five dispensaries. There is no recreational cannabis market in Hawaii. Hawaii has no recreational cannabis program; all purchases require a valid 329 card issued by the Hawaii Department of Health. Out-of-state and […]