Front Street Walkway Blessing Marks Step Toward Lahaina Commercial Revival
Maui County completed a major sidewalk and railing restoration project along Front Street in Lahaina, celebrated with a formal blessing attended by about 150 residents and local officials. The project is part of the broader effort to restore commercial activity to the fire-devastated town. The restored Front Street walkway covers 1,450 feet of repaired sidewalk […]
Lahaina’s First Post-Fire Commercial Marketplace Coming to Front Street
Multiple outlets reported this week that officials have announced the ʻUlu o Lele Marketplace, Lahaina’s first commercial project returning to Front Street since the August 2023 wildfires. The temporary marketplace is expected to open this fall and is designed to help local businesses, nonprofits, and cultural practitioners rebuild while permanent redevelopment continues. The project marks […]
Maui County Waterline Work to Disrupt Roads and Water Service July 6–8
Maui County has announced two separate scheduled waterline repair projects affecting roads and water service in Makawao and Wailuku during the nights of July 6–8, 2026. Both notices were issued by Maui County on July 2 and warn of brief water service interruptions and restricted vehicle access during overnight work windows. Central Avenue in Wailuku […]
ʻUlu o Lele Marketplace to Bring 25 Vendors Back to Lahaina’s Front Street This Fall
Multiple outlets including Maui Now, Hawaii News Now, and Maui County reported that the ʻUlu o Lele marketplace — the first project to restore storefronts to Lahaina’s Front Street since the 2023 wildfire — is set to open in September 2026. The $8 million initiative is led by the nonprofit Hawaiian Council and will occupy […]
Lahaina Survivors Warn of Unlicensed Contractors Scamming Fire Victims
Waterman Archie Kalepa and other Lahaina fire survivors are pushing state officials to strengthen penalties against unlicensed contractors who are taking advantage of disaster victims during the rebuild. The state DCCA receives hundreds of similar complaints annually and has enlisted Kalepa as a spokesperson to raise awareness. Kalepa paid roughly $200,000 to an unlicensed contractor […]
Hawaii Visitors Spending More Per Day But Cutting Trips Shorter
May 2026 Hawaii visitor data shows total spending and daily spend both rose year-over-year, but average trip length dropped 10.3%—from 8.47 to 7.60 days—across nearly every major visitor market. The trend suggests travelers are trading vacation length for affordability rather than skipping Hawaii altogether. Statewide visitor spending rose 5.3% to $1.77 billion in May 2026, […]
May 2026 Maui Tourism: Visitor Numbers Up but Stays Getting Shorter
May 2026 tourism data shows more visitors coming to Hawaii, but they are staying for shorter periods. Separately, rebuilt affordable apartments in Lahaina filled immediately upon opening. May 2026 visitor statistics show increased arrivals to Hawaii compared to prior periods, though average length of stay has declined. Newly rebuilt affordable apartment units in Lahaina were […]
Weekly Sunset Jazz Series Returns to Lahaina on July 26
Multiple listings from Maui Now highlight Jazz Maui’s ongoing Sunday Sunset Jazz concert series, with a featured performance by acclaimed vocalist Sheryl Renee on July 26. The event takes place in an open-air pavilion in Lahaina and pairs live jazz with chocolate and beverage tastings. Seating is limited and advance tickets are required. Jazz Maui […]
Free 3-Day Lahaina Homecoming Event Set for July 17–19, 2026
The Maui Economic Recovery Commission and Festivals of Aloha are hosting a free, three-day public event in Lahaina July 17–19 to welcome back 103 displaced residents and celebrate community recovery. Events will be held at Lahaina Cannery Mall, Lahaina United Methodist Church, and Campbell Park. Lahaina Homecoming runs July 17–19, 2026, with free admission and […]
Maui County Launches First SMA Boundary Review Since 1979
The Maui Planning Commission will hold a public meeting on July 14 to kick off a formal assessment of Maui’s Special Management Area coastal boundary, which hasn’t been updated in over 45 years. The multi-year review could eventually affect development rules for shoreline properties. The County of Maui is assessing whether its SMA boundary — […]