Road to Hāna Guide: What Visitors Should Know Before They Go

Hamoa Beach Hana Maui — Road to Hāna Guide: What Visitors Should Know Before They Go | Maui Tom's News

The Road to Hāna spans 52 miles with 620 curves and 59 one-lane bridges, taking 2–4 hours from Kahului without stops. The article highlights key attractions, safety considerations, and etiquette for visiting the remote East Maui town. The drive from Kahului to Hāna covers roughly 52 miles and typically takes 2–4 hours nonstop due to […]

Maui County Approves Up to $6M to Buy West Maui Private Water Systems

Olowalu beach looking south — Maui County Approves Up to $6M to Buy West Maui Private Water Systems | Maui Tom's News

The Maui County Council voted 8-1 to authorize spending up to $6 million to acquire water infrastructure assets from private companies in Launiupoko and Olowalu. The purchase includes wells, reservoirs, booster pumps, pipelines, and easements, though council members noted the deal covers only part of a complete water system. The county’s Department of Water Supply […]

Animated Short Films Capture Lahaina Residents’ Pre-Fire Memories

Lahaina harbor with boats at sunset — Animated Short Films Capture Lahaina Residents' Pre-Fire Memories | Maui Tom's News

Four animated short films preserving personal memories of Lahaina before the 2023 wildfire were unveiled August 27 at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center. The films are part of a broader Lahaina Memorial Project developed through a community storytelling initiative. The ‘Perfect Days’ film series features nine Lahaina community members sharing memories of life in the historic town […]

Maui Helicopter Tours Shift Toward Private Charters and Immersive Experiences

Ocean bay tropical cliffs — Maui Helicopter Tours Shift Toward Private Charters and Immersive Experiences | Maui Tom's News

Maui’s helicopter tourism market is moving away from shared sightseeing routes toward private, customizable charters and immersive add-ons like doors-off flights and rainforest landings. Operators are increasingly marketing these premium experiences to high-end visitors seeking personalized aerial itineraries. Private helicopter charters are the fastest-growing segment, with groups able to customize routes, timing, and special-occasion elements. […]

Maui Council Weighs Adding Hundreds of Coastal Condos to Vacation Rental Zones

Makena Surf Maui condos — Maui Council Weighs Adding Hundreds of Coastal Condos to Vacation Rental Zones | Maui Tom's News

Two resolutions before the Maui County Council would rezone up to 26 shoreline condo properties into new hotel zoning districts, potentially allowing them to continue operating as vacation rentals rather than being phased out under Bill 9. Sea level rise exposure is cited as justification for exempting these coastal units from the county’s long-term housing […]

Free Community Night at Kapalua Features Music, Hula & Local Vendors Aug. 28

Town street with stores — Free Community Night at Kapalua Features Music, Hula & Local Vendors Aug. 28 | Maui Tom's News

Aloha Fridays at Kapalua returns August 28 from 6–9 p.m. at The Barn in Kapalua, offering free live music, hula performances, and local food and retail vendors. The next event is scheduled for October 23, 2026. The free, family-friendly event runs 6–9 p.m. on August 28 at The Barn in Kapalua, hosted by Maui Land […]

New Research Tracks Lasting Health Impacts on Lahaina Fire Survivors

Tropical coastal town — New Research Tracks Lasting Health Impacts on Lahaina Fire Survivors | Maui Tom's News

Three years after the 2023 Lahaina wildfire, new research indicates the disaster’s toll extends well beyond immediate casualties and property loss, with survivors continuing to face significant health and financial hardships. A landmark study is tracking long-term physical and mental health effects on Maui wildfire survivors, with findings suggesting impacts far beyond initial casualties. Many […]

Sacred Hearts School Marks Three Years of Recovery After Lahaina Fire

Hawaiian coastal town aerial view — Sacred Hearts School Marks Three Years of Recovery After Lahaina Fire | Maui Tom's News

A commemorative Mass was held at Sacred Hearts Mission Church in Kapalua on August 7, marking three years since the 2023 Lahaina wildfires. The service honored the school’s resilience, including resuming classes in tents just 20 days after the disaster. Sacred Hearts School resumed classes in tents at Kapalua just 20 days after the August […]

Study Tracks Ongoing Health and Financial Toll on Lahaina Fire Survivors

Lahaina waterfront and ocean view — Study Tracks Ongoing Health and Financial Toll on Lahaina Fire Survivors | Maui Tom's News

Three years after the 2023 Lahaina wildfire, a University of Hawaii study is documenting persistent health and economic struggles among survivors. Lower-income residents and hospitality workers have been hit hardest by compounding costs and mental health impacts. A landmark University of Hawaii study is tracking long-term physical and mental health outcomes among Maui wildfire survivors. […]

Maui Brush Fire Near Waiko Road Contained Within Two Hours

Road to Hana rainbow eucalyptus Maui — Maui Brush Fire Near Waiko Road Contained Within Two Hours | Maui Tom's News

A brush fire broke out near Waiko Road and Kuihelani Highway on Maui the evening of August 25, burning about half an acre before being fully extinguished. No property damage, evacuations, or road closures were reported. The Maui Fire Department responded at 7:07 p.m. and fully extinguished the fire by 8:48 p.m., with the incident […]