Weekly Jazz Concert Series Returns to Lahaina Chocolate Factory Venue
Jazz Maui is hosting weekly Sunset Jazz concerts at the Chocolate Factory in Lahaina, featuring live music with chocolate and beverage pairings. The events support local music education programs and require advance ticket purchases. Weekly jazz concerts are being held at the upstairs pavilion of the Chocolate Factory in Lahaina. Events feature live jazz music, […]
Ho’okipa Beach Park Closes for High School Surf Championships This Weekend
Ho’okipa Beach Park will be closed to the public from Thursday evening through Saturday evening for the first-ever state high school surfing championships. Spectators must use free shuttles from off-site parking on Holomua Road. Ho’okipa Beach Park closes Thursday 5 PM through Saturday 5 PM for competition use only. Free shuttle service will transport spectators […]
UC San Diego Researchers Face Weather Delays During Maui Whale Study
UC San Diego marine researchers had to postpone underwater experiments in Maui waters due to heavy rains, flooding, and brown water advisories from recent storms. The team is studying humpback whale behavior and testing underwater camera equipment in collaboration with NOAA’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Recent heavy rains and winds damaged roads […]
Gov. Green Appoints New Circuit Court Judges for Maui and Kauai
Governor Green appointed two new Circuit Court judges – Annalisa Bernard Lee for Maui’s Second Circuit and Michael Soong for Kauai’s Fifth Circuit. Both currently serve as District Court judges and their appointments require State Senate confirmation. Annalisa Bernard Lee promoted from District to Circuit Court judge for Second Circuit covering Maui. Michael Soong appointed […]
February Tourist Spending Rises 10.3% as Economic Recovery Continues
Tourist spending in Hawaii increased 10.3% in February while UHERO released analysis on Maui’s post-fire tourism economic impact. Several other legal and political developments are affecting the state. February tourist spending increased 10.3% compared to the previous period. UHERO published analysis examining the economic impact of Maui’s tourism downturn following the fires. Honolulu officials are […]
UHERO Study Quantifies Ongoing Economic Losses from Wildfire Tourism Drop
A University of Hawaii economic study shows Maui continues to face significant job and revenue losses from reduced tourism following the 2023 wildfires, with impacts spreading statewide through supply chain connections. Maui County lost an average of 18,000 jobs in late 2023, declining to about 9,000 jobs throughout 2024. Statewide economic impact in 2024 reached […]
Grand Wailea Partners with Hawaii Celebrity for New Menu Item Launch
Grand Wailea resort has launched a specialty dessert in collaboration with Hawaii-born entertainer Sydney Agudong as part of its ongoing dining program refresh. The partnership reflects the resort’s strategy to attract younger guests while maintaining its luxury appeal. Grand Wailea introduced the Island Buzz Sundae featuring local flavors like macadamia, coconut, and tropical fruits. The […]
Appellate Court Confirms Higher Property Taxes for Wailea Palms Units
Hawaii’s appellate court upheld a ruling that classifies individual Wailea Palms condo units as ‘non-owner-occupied’ rather than ‘apartment’ properties, resulting in higher property tax rates for owners. The Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals rejected attempts to classify condo units under the lower ‘apartment’ tax rate. Individual condo units don’t qualify as ‘multi-dwelling-unit improvements’ under county […]
Marine Debris Cleanup Program Mobilizes 50-100 Volunteers Monthly on Maui
Pacific Whale Foundation leads Maui’s official marine debris response, coordinating volunteers to remove fishing nets, buoys, and plastic waste from beaches and reefs. The program tracks debris sources and locations to build data for potential policy changes. Teams remove heavy marine debris including a 2,500-pound net mass discovered at Waiehu Beach Park. Monthly volunteer efforts […]
Maui Wildfire Recovery Documentary Screens in California This Week
A documentary featuring Lahaina residents’ recovery stories will screen in Santa Barbara, highlighting ongoing challenges nearly three years after the 2023 wildfires. The film focuses on long-term rebuilding efforts and community displacement issues. Documentary ‘Lahaina: Voices of Change’ screens Friday at Santa Barbara’s Lobero Theatre with panel discussion featuring Maui community leaders. Film highlights that […]