New Airport Retailer Opens at Maui’s Kahului with Local Product Focus
International Shoppes opened duty-free shops at Kahului Airport in April, featuring 60% local Hawaiian merchandise. The company plans renovations at OGG over the next two years under a 10-year state concession. International Shoppes launched operations at Kahului Airport (OGG) and Honolulu Airport in April 2024. Local vendors account for approximately 60% of merchandise at both […]
Tourist Snorkeling Deaths on Maui Raise Safety Questions for Visitors
Health officials are investigating tourist snorkeling deaths in Hawaii, with some experts pointing to a rare condition called rapid-onset pulmonary edema as a possible cause. Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related deaths for tourists in Hawaii, with nearly half from snorkeling. A 68-year-old tourist died while snorkeling near Napili despite being a strong swimmer […]
Maui Tourism Recovery Accelerates Despite Visitor Cost Concerns
Maui is seeing faster tourism recovery than other Hawaiian islands with 11.5% increase in arrivals and rising hotel occupancy, though visitors are becoming more cost-conscious and planning shorter stays. Maui arrivals increased 11.5% year-over-year by February 2026 with hotel occupancy rising from 71.5% to 78.0%. The Lahaina-Kaanapali-Kapalua corridor saw occupancy climb from 69.2% to 76.3% […]
Maui County Advances $30M Tax Increase on Short-Term Rentals
Maui County Council moved forward with plans to increase property taxes by $30 million, targeting short-term rentals, non-owner-occupied homes, and timeshares while reducing taxes on owner-occupied and long-term rental properties. Maui County Council approved a $30 million property tax increase affecting short-term rentals, non-owner-occupied homes, timeshares, and some bed-and-breakfast properties. The plan reduces taxes on […]
Hawaii Tourism Brand Struggles to Retain Loyal Visitor Confidence
Long-time Hawaii visitors report declining brand loyalty and confidence in the destination, citing concerns beyond just high prices. International travelers are questioning whether Hawaii still wants tourists, particularly following the Lahaina fire. Repeat visitors say Hawaii’s brand loyalty has weakened, with the destination no longer feeling worth high costs and long flights. The issue goes […]
Hawaii-Japan Partnership Summit Focuses on Economic and Tourism Collaboration
Over 350 officials from Hawaii and Japan met at a summit to strengthen partnerships and develop initiatives for economic development, tourism, and disaster preparedness. The gathering aimed to turn sister-city relationships into actionable collaboration benefiting both regions. More than 350 participants including 30 governors and mayors attended the Hawaii-Japan Sister Summit at Hilton Hawaiian Village. […]
Travel Guide Highlights Seven Hawaii Long Weekend Destinations
A travel publication features seven Hawaii destinations for weekend getaways, including Makawao on Maui and Kapaa on Kauai, highlighting local attractions and accommodations. Makawao is featured for its paniolo heritage, art galleries, and attractions like Komoda Bakery and the annual Fourth of July rodeo. The guide highlights Makawao’s outdoor activities including forest reserve trails and […]
New Fast-Charging Station Opens at Kapalua Airport on Maui
Hawaii DOT opened a new electric vehicle fast-charging facility at Kapalua Airport with four 150kW chargers available 24/7. The station is part of a federally-funded program to expand EV charging infrastructure statewide. The charging depot features four 150kW DC fast chargers with standard connector types for most electric vehicles. The facility operates around the clock […]
United Airlines Deploys AI System to Hold Flights for Connecting Passengers
United Airlines launched an AI system called ConnectionSaver that delays departing flights by a few minutes to help late connecting passengers make their flights. The system has already helped over 54,000 travelers avoid missed connections at major hub airports. The AI system analyzes real-time data to determine when it’s safe to hold departing flights for […]
Hawaiian Electric Faces Ongoing Legal Battles Over Maui Fire Liability
Hawaiian Electric continues to deal with litigation related to the Maui wildfires, highlighting ongoing legal and financial risks for the utility company. Hawaiian Electric faces continued litigation stemming from the Maui wildfire incidents. Wildfire liability laws in some Western states can hold utilities responsible for fire damage regardless of fault. Utility companies in fire-prone areas […]