State Plans Infrastructure Upgrades at Mākena State Park Beaches
The state is proposing upgrades to Mākena State Park including permanent restrooms, expanded parking, and showers, but some locals worry the changes will alter the area’s wild character and lead to future restrictions. Proposed upgrades include expanding paved parking, replacing portable toilets with permanent bathrooms, and installing showers or foot rinsing stations. The $2.1 million […]
Oahu Woman Sues City Over $600K Fine for Accidental STR Advertisement
An 83-year-old Oahu property owner is challenging $600,000 in fines from Honolulu for accidentally advertising her rental as a short-term rental due to platform errors. The case highlights enforcement of the city’s 2019 law that allows daily fines up to $10,000 just for advertising illegal STRs. Honolulu can fine property owners up to $10,000 per […]
Harbor Dredging Work Begins Monday as Part of Lahaina Restoration Efforts
State officials will begin routine dredging work at Lahaina Small Boat Harbor on Monday to remove accumulated sediment and restore safe vessel access, according to multiple reports. The project is part of ongoing restoration efforts following the 2023 wildfires and includes a rare opportunity to dredge the main harbor basin. Dredging work starts Monday, June […]
Atlantis Submarines Maui Resumes Operations After Nearly 3-Year Shutdown
Atlantis Submarines Maui has returned to operations nearly three years after losing almost all equipment in the 2023 Lahaina fire. The company is bringing back furloughed employees and resuming tourist submarine tours from Lahaina Harbor. Atlantis Submarines Maui resumed operations after losing nearly all equipment in the 2023 Lahaina fire. The company’s shuttle boat was […]
County Committee Approves Hotel Zones That Could Save Some Phased-Out STRs
Maui County’s housing committee voted 6-1 to create new hotel zones that would allow some vacation rentals affected by last year’s phase-out to continue operating. The measure now goes to the full council for final approval. Bill 88 creates two new hotel zone designations that could allow STRs phased out under Bill 9 to continue […]
Hua Momona Foundation to Host Global Sustainability Conference on Maui
The Hua Momona Foundation will hold its first RISE Maui sustainability summit August 17-21 at Hyatt Regency Maui and Hua Momona Farms. The event brings together global leaders and local community members to discuss environmental stewardship, innovation, and cultural preservation. The five-day summit takes place at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Hua Momona Farms in […]
Hawaii Visitor Spending Rises 4.8% in April Despite Fewer Tourist Arrivals
Hawaii tourism data for April 2026 shows a positive financial trend despite slightly fewer visitors. Both the state government and Hawaii Free Press reported that while visitor arrivals decreased marginally, increased daily spending per person drove overall tourism revenue growth. Total visitor spending reached $1.77 billion in April 2026, up 4.8% from the same month […]
March Storm Damage Leaves Multiple Road Sinkholes Awaiting Costly Repairs
Maui County is still working to repair numerous sinkholes and road collapses from March storms, with costs and timelines uncertain as officials seek federal emergency funding. Some repairs, including a 150-foot section of South Kīhei Road, are expected to take several months. A 150-foot collapsed section of South Kīhei Road near Kama’ole Beach Park II […]
Kaupakalua Road Shut Down Due to Fallen Power Lines and Trees
Kaupakalua Road is closed between 5 Corners and Maluaina due to downed power lines and trees blocking the roadway. Road closure affects the section of Kaupakalua Road between 5 Corners and Maluaina. Closure caused by downed power lines and fallen trees on the roadway. No timeline provided for when the road will reopen. Property owners […]
Tour Company PacWhale Eco-Adventures to Resume Lahaina Harbor Operations
PacWhale Eco-Adventures will restart ocean tour operations from Lahaina Harbor on June 1, 2026, marking a significant step in tourism recovery following the 2023 wildfires. The company has been operating from Lahaina for over 40 years and provided disaster relief after the fires. PacWhale Eco-Adventures will resume tours from Lahaina Harbor starting June 1, 2026, […]