Maui County Water Rates Change Starting July 1, 2026
Maui County’s Department of Water Supply has implemented new water rates for fiscal year 2027, effective July 1, 2026. Property owners can view the full rate schedule on the county website. New water service rates and charges took effect July 1, 2026 for fiscal year 2027. Updated rate details are available at mauicounty.gov/216/water-charges. The change […]
Maui Hotel Rates Drop 27% as Competition Intensifies for Vacation Market
Hotel rates in Lahaina, Maui have fallen 27% year-over-year, marking the largest decline in the US according to new booking data. The drop reflects broader travel industry price volatility as travelers become more budget-conscious. Lahaina hotel rates experienced the steepest decline in the US at 27% compared to last year. Travelers are increasingly using budget […]
New FEMA flood maps place 3,700 Oahu properties in high-risk zones
Updated FEMA flood maps have designated 3,700 additional Oahu parcels as high-risk flood areas, requiring property owners with federally backed loans to purchase flood insurance and comply with new building regulations. Property owners in newly designated Special Flood Hazard Areas with federally backed loans must obtain flood insurance within 45 days or lenders can force-place […]
Governor Green Considers Gas Tax Pause as Fuel Prices Rise Statewide
Governor Green is reviewing options to temporarily suspend state and county gas taxes this summer to provide drivers relief from rising fuel costs. The potential pause could save consumers about 30 cents per gallon. Governor Green is considering pausing state and county gas taxes for part of the summer due to soaring pump prices. The […]
Maui Vacation Home Sales Plunge 85% Since 2021 Peak
Vacation home purchases in Hawaii dropped 78% from 2021 to 2025, with Maui’s Kahului area seeing an 85% decline. The collapse follows the pandemic-era buying boom and reflects broader economic pressures. Hawaii ranks second nationally for vacation home purchase declines, falling from 2,156 mortgaged purchases in 2021 to just 478 in 2025. Kahului metro area […]
Construction Spending Rises Statewide but Housing Development Drops on Maui
Hawaii’s construction industry had a strong first quarter with $2.09 billion in spending, but housing construction significantly declined including on Maui where multi-family projects slowed from 2025 levels. Maui recorded $170 million in construction activity, dominated by public projects rather than private development. Multi-family housing construction on Maui decreased significantly compared to first quarter 2025 […]
Maui Construction Hits $170M in Q1 Despite Housing Project Decline
Hawaii’s construction industry had a strong first quarter with $2.09 billion statewide, but Maui saw $170 million in activity with declining multi-family housing projects compared to 2025. Maui recorded $170 million in construction activity during Q1 2026, primarily from public projects. Multi-family housing construction on Maui slowed significantly from 2025 levels. Statewide, single-family and multi-family […]
Disaster Unemployment Benefits Available for March Storm Victims Until June 15
Property owners and workers affected by March 2026 storms across Hawaiian counties can apply for disaster unemployment assistance worth $346-$868 weekly through June 15. Benefits cover those who lost work or income due to the natural disasters. Disaster Unemployment Assistance available for those affected by March 10-24, 2026 storms, floods, and landslides across Hawaiʻi, Honolulu, […]
Repeat Visitor Shares $13,320 Maui Vacation Breakdown, Cancels 2025 Trip
A long-time Hawaii visitor detailed spending $13,320 on lodging alone for a 20-night Maui and Big Island trip, citing escalating fees as reason for canceling future visits. Annual Hawaii visitor since 2012 spent $13,320 on lodging for 20 nights across Maui and Big Island properties. Costs included $11,800 base lodging plus $1,170 in beach club […]
Oahu Condo Market Shifts Toward Local Buyers as STR Rules Tighten
New data shows 83% of Oahu property sales in 2025 went to local buyers, with short-term rental permits now restricted to resort zones like Waikiki. The condo market faces challenges from rising maintenance fees and surprise assessments that can reach tens of thousands. Short-term rental permits are now limited to resort-zoned areas like Waikiki and […]