Hawaii Magazine Reveals 2026 Top-Rated Hotels Across Maui and Big Island
Hawaii Magazine has published its 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards for Maui and Hawaii Island, highlighting the top-performing hotels and resorts as voted by travelers. The awards recognize excellence across multiple categories including luxury, value, family-friendly accommodations, and spa services. Grand Wailea Maui topped the luxury resort category on Maui, while Four Seasons Resort Hualalai led […]
Ho’okipa Hosts First-Ever State High School Surfing Championship
Maui County has reported on the successful hosting of Hawaii’s inaugural state high school surfing championships at Ho’okipa Beach Park on May 1-2, 2026. The event drew significant participation and praise for the venue’s world-class conditions. 174 high school surfers (87 boys and 87 girls) competed in the first-ever HHSAA state surfing championship Over 1,000 […]
Wailea Beach Path Offers Accessible Tourist Experience for All Visitors
The Wailea Beach Path is a 1.5-mile paved walkway connecting major South Maui resorts and beaches, offering an accessible outdoor experience that requires no permits or advance planning. The paved path runs from Polo Beach to Mokapu Beach, passing iconic resorts like Four Seasons, Grand Wailea, and Andaz Maui. Public parking is available at Polo […]
New Visitor Safety Program to Be Presented at South Maui Rotary Meeting
A presentation on May 13 will introduce a new visitor safety program developed by the Maui Nui Visitor Aloha Society in partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority. The program includes volunteer training and cultural awareness components. Dr. Alexandra Witkin will present the Maui Nui Visitor Aloha Society program at Kīhei-Wailea Rotary on May 13, 1:30-2:30 […]
HTA Launches Grant Programs for Maui Tourism Businesses and Nonprofits
The Hawaii Tourism Authority is accepting applications through June 8 for two programs that provide training and $10,000 grants to Maui organizations developing community-centered tourism experiences. The programs focus on stewardship activities and regenerative visitor experiences. Applications due June 8 for Community Stewardship and Regenerative Experiences programs targeting Maui-based organizations. Participants receive four months of […]
Hawaii Plans Push to Bring High-Spending Japanese Tourists to Maui
A new state report shows Japanese visitor arrivals have only recovered to 46% of pre-pandemic levels, with most staying on Oahu rather than visiting Maui. The state plans to work with Japanese travel partners to promote Maui as Japanese tourists are among the highest-spending visitors. Japanese visitor arrivals statewide have only recovered to 46.4% of […]
March Flood Damage Reaches $79M as Maui County Begins Infrastructure Repairs
Maui County estimates nearly $79 million in infrastructure damage from March floods, with repairs starting this week. South Kihei Road remains partially closed as residents and businesses continue rebuilding efforts. County infrastructure damage from March floods estimated at nearly $79 million with repairs beginning this week. Portions of South Kihei Road remain closed as crews […]
Maui County Council Elections Shape Up as Two Key Members Exit
Two Maui County Council incumbents have officially filed for re-election while Council Chair Alice Lee and Vice Chair Yuki Lei Sugimura are stepping down, creating open seats. The filing deadline is June 2 with primary elections in August. West Maui’s Tamara Paltin and East Maui’s Shane Sinenci have officially filed for re-election. Council Chair Alice […]
HGTV Stars Owe $40K in Fines for Unpermitted Vacation Rentals
Renovation Aloha hosts Kamohai and Tristyn Kalama face $40,000 in unpaid fines for operating two illegal short-term rentals in Honolulu without proper permits. The properties were operating outside resort zones without special permits required by city regulations. One Kaneohe property was fining $1,000/night for 3-night stays without permits, resulting in $10,000 fine and now requires […]
Search Called Off for North Carolina Tourist Missing at Kaanapali Beach
The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search Monday evening for a 75-year-old North Carolina man who disappeared while snorkeling off Kaanapali Beach on Friday. Multiple news outlets reported that extensive search efforts involving several agencies covered over 1,200 square miles but failed to locate the missing tourist. John Weems, 75, of North Carolina, was last […]