Local Hawaii Brands Coming to Maui’s Kahului Airport by 2027
HMSHost, the existing state airport food concessionaire, has announced new restaurant and bar concepts featuring local Hawaii brands at Kahului, Honolulu, and Lihue airports, with openings planned through end of 2027. Maui Brewing Company is among the local names attached to the Kahului Airport refresh. Maui Brewing Company is one of several local Hawaii brands […]
Kula Hospital Gets $65M Funding Commitment After Kona-Low Storm Closure
Kula Hospital, shuttered since March due to severe Kona-low storm damage, will be restored through a combined $65 million investment from the state of Hawaii and Kaiser Permanente. No reopening date has been set yet. Kula Hospital has been closed since March after Kona-low storms dropped over 50 inches of rain, damaging its emergency department, […]
Hurricane Nolo Threatens Maui with Heavy Rain and Flooding Through Weekend
Tropical Storm Nolo is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane by Saturday as it passes south of the Big Island, bringing significant rainfall and flood risk to Maui through the weekend. A Flood Watch is in effect for Maui County until 6 p.m. Saturday. Maui could receive 8–12 inches of rain, with isolated totals […]
Temporary Lahaina Library Installed, Expected to Open Early 2027
A portable library unit has been installed at the Lahaina Civic Center, replacing the library destroyed in the 2023 wildfires. The Hawaii State Public Library System expects the facility to open in early 2027 after electrical and IT work is completed. A 20×20-foot prefabricated unit was installed at the Lahaina Civic Center’s upper parking lot […]
Haiku Family Awaits Major Disaster Declaration After Lala Flooding
A Haiku family suffered over $100,000 in flood damage from Tropical Storm Lala and is waiting on federal aid as Hawaii awaits President Trump’s decision on a major disaster declaration. An emergency declaration has been approved, but a separate major disaster declaration is needed to unlock broader recovery assistance. A Haiku homeowner sustained more than […]
Maui Planning Commission Backs Denying Nearly All STR Hotel-Zone Exemptions
The Maui Planning Commission voted 6-2 to recommend denying hotel-zoning exemptions for 43 of 48 vacation rental properties seeking to escape Bill 9’s phase-out, endorsing exemptions for only about 397 units out of roughly 3,400 that had been considered. The full Maui County Council must still make a final decision. Bill 9, passed in December […]
Maui Officials Sign Deal to Pursue Nonstop Japan Flights via Pre-Clearance Plan
Maui tourism and government leaders signed a non-binding agreement with a U.S. presidential envoy to explore nonstop flights from Japan to Kahului Airport using a customs pre-clearance system. The initiative aims to capture a share of Hawaii’s largest international visitor market, which has been recovering since the pandemic but still trails pre-COVID spending levels. A […]
Strengthening Tropical System Threatens Maui with Heavy Rain and Flooding This Week
Tropical Depression Fifteen-E is forecast to become a hurricane and approach Hawaii later this week, bringing heavy rain, potential flooding, and strong winds to Maui. A Flood Watch is already in effect for parts of Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi. A Flood Watch is currently in effect for parts of Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi as moisture […]
Southbound Honoapiilani Hwy Closed at Kaanapali Parkway After Accident
The southbound lane of Honoapiilani Highway is temporarily closed at Kaanapali Parkway following a motor vehicle accident. Drivers heading through the Kaanapali/Lahaina corridor should expect delays or seek alternate routes. The southbound lane of Honoapiilani Highway is closed at the Kaanapali Parkway intersection. The closure is due to a motor vehicle accident reported on September […]
$65M Funding Secured to Rebuild Kula Hospital After Kona Low Storm Damage
Multiple news outlets reported that the state of Hawaiʻi, Maui Health, and Kaiser Permanente have jointly announced a $65 million commitment to restore and reopen Kula Hospital, which has been closed since March 2026 Kona Low storms caused significant damage. The state will contribute $42 million and Kaiser Permanente will invest $23 million, with construction […]