Four Seasons Wailea Opens Hawaiian Cultural Garden Honoring Queen Liliʻuokalani
Multiple outlets reported that Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea has unveiled The Queen’s Garden: Uluhaimalama, a new cultural experience in the resort’s interior courtyard dedicated to Hawaiʻi’s last reigning monarch. The self-guided experience was developed with Hawaiian cultural practitioners and kumu, and is open to guests as well as the broader community. The Queen’s […]
Makawao Forest Reserve Remains Closed After Hurricane Lala Trail Damage
Hawaii Public Radio reported that Makawao State Forest Reserve — Maui’s most popular local recreation area — remains closed following severe damage from Hurricane Lala last month. State crews are working to restore access, but officials warn closures could continue for an extended period with no firm reopening date set. Makawao State Forest Reserve, spanning […]
Lahaina Survivors Lose Hundreds of Thousands to Contractor Fraud, No Charges Filed
Dozens of Lahaina wildfire survivors report losing large sums to contractors who abandoned projects or misused funds, yet no criminal charges, license revocations, or fines have been issued. Maui County prosecutors say they are actively investigating and are urging victims to come forward. Survivors report contractors taking hundreds of thousands of dollars then stopping work […]
Twin Hurricanes Lowell and Karina Prompt Maui Preparedness Warning
Multiple sources including Maui County, Maui Now, Mauirecovers, and Hawaii News Now are reporting that two hurricanes — Lowell and Karina — are tracking toward the Hawaiian Islands, prompting officials to urge residents and visitors to prepare. The National Weather Service has flagged above-average forecast uncertainty due to multiple interacting weather systems. Mayor Richard Bissen […]
DHHL Plans 398-Lot Waiehu Residential Community on Maui Floodplain
The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has issued a public notice that its proposed 238-acre Waiehu Mauka residential development in Wailuku includes areas within a federal floodplain and wetlands. The project would create 398 new homestead lots using federal Native Hawaiian housing funds. DHHL is proposing a 398-lot residential subdivision on a 238-acre parcel west […]
Maui Restaurant Group Funnels Dining Donations to Lahaina Recovery Nonprofits
Hana Hou Hospitality Group is donating round-up proceeds from its Maui restaurants to rotating Lahaina-area nonprofits throughout 2026. This month’s beneficiary is Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy, with the Lahaina Restoration Foundation slated for October. Hana Hou Hospitality Group — which operates Māla Ocean Tavern, Coco Deck Lahaina, Pizza Paradiso, and Pineapple Robot — rounds up guest […]
Hurricane Lowell Sends Dangerous Surf Toward Hawaii, No Wind Threat Expected
Category 4 Hurricane Lowell is tracking hundreds of miles south of Hawaii and will not bring wind or rain to the islands, but is generating life-threatening surf and rip current conditions beginning this week. No coastal watches or warnings are currently in effect. Hurricane Lowell, with 145 mph winds, is passing approximately 470 miles southeast […]
NCL, Princess Cruises Pull Maui Port Stops Amid Wildfire Recovery
Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises have suspended Maui port calls on their Hawaii itineraries in the wake of the Lahaina wildfires, rerouting ships to Hilo, Kauai, and Kona instead. NCL says the change applies to at least three upcoming Pride of America voyages, with resumption potentially weeks to months away. NCL America has removed […]
Two Pacific Hurricanes Threaten Hawaii with Wind, Rain Through Labor Day Weekend
Hurricane Lowell is forecast to pass south of the Hawaiian Islands as a major hurricane Wednesday into Thursday, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. A second storm, Hurricane Karina, is tracking toward the region and may pose additional concerns through the holiday weekend. Hurricane Lowell is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane by Wednesday […]
Kaanapali Hotels Now Half the Price of Wailea, Drawing Visitors Back to West Maui
A recent firsthand comparison found Kaanapali hotel rates averaging roughly half those in Wailea, with West Maui showing signs of recovery as a visitor destination post-Lahaina fire. Front Street in Lahaina has reopened to traffic and new restaurants. Kaanapali nightly hotel rates averaged $412 in May vs. $665 in Wailea, a gap that is attracting […]