S. Kihei Road Repairs to Begin June 1, Fall Completion Target Set
Construction on the South Kihei Road sinkhole repair near Kamaole Beach Park II will begin June 1 with a target completion date of fall 2026. The County secured emergency federal funding and awarded the contract to P.B. Sullivan Construction. Construction bids were awarded to P.B. Sullivan Construction Inc. with work starting June 1, 2026. The […]
S. Kihei Road Repairs Near Kamaole Beach Park II Target Fall Completion
Maui County awarded emergency repairs for the South Kihei Road sinkhole to P.B. Sullivan Construction, with work beginning June 1st and completion targeted for fall 2026. The county is pursuing federal emergency funding for the complex drainage and roadway reconstruction project. Construction contract awarded to P.B. Sullivan Construction Inc. with work starting June 1, 2026. […]
Upcountry Maui Water Service Back Online After Emergency Mainline Repairs
Water service has been restored to the Makawao area of Upcountry Maui following emergency repairs to a mainline break that were completed ahead of schedule. Water service restored as of 4:30 p.m. on May 25 in the Makawao Avenue to Makani Road area. The affected zone included properties from Old Haleakala Highway to Haleakala Highway. […]
Maui’s Japanese Cultural Festival Draws Hundreds to UH Campus Event
The Japanese Cultural Society of Maui held its 24th annual Matsuri festival at UH Maui College, attracting hundreds of attendees for cultural performances, food, and activities. The event featured performers from Japan and local groups, promoting Japanese culture and community connections. The festival took place May 23 at UH Maui College with the theme ‘tomo’ […]
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. […]