Maui Council Greenlights 2026 County Fair and Aloha Classic Windsurfing Permits
The Maui County Council unanimously approved special event permits for the 2026 Maui County Fair (Oct. 1–4 in Wailuku) and the Aloha Classic Windsurfing Tournament (Oct. 19–30 at Hoʻokipa Beach Park). Both events are expected to draw significant visitor traffic to the island this fall. The 99th Maui County Fair runs Oct. 1–4 at the […]
Pool Brawl at Maui Resort Draws FBI Attention, Stirs Tourism Debate
A violent incident involving juveniles at a Maui resort has attracted FBI scrutiny under an ‘interference with interstate commerce’ theory tied to hotel operations. The episode has generated significant media and political attention, raising broader questions about tourism and local tensions. A brawl involving teenagers at a Maui resort property resulted in injuries to guests […]
Hawaii’s 2026–2028 Plan Targets Road to Hana, Honolua Bay, and Kaupo
Hawaii released its island-by-island Destination Management Action Plans for 2026–2028, with Maui’s focusing on safety improvements along the Piilani Highway, better visitor flow on the Road to Hana, and a potential reservation-and-shuttle system at Honolua Bay. A fatal accident site at Mile Marker 36 on Piilani Highway is flagged for hazard signage, speed treatments, and […]
Water Quality Monitoring Resumes at Mākena Landing Amid Rising Tourism Use
A volunteer coastal monitoring program has restarted regular water quality testing at Mākena Landing after a multi-year pause, citing increased construction runoff and a surge in commercial ocean tour operators relocating to the site. Tests will occur every three weeks. Hui O Ka Wai Ola has resumed water quality testing at Mākena Landing for the […]
Lahaina O-Bon Festival Returns Aug. 14 After Temples Lost in 2023 Fire
The West Maui Buddhist Council is hosting a combined O-Bon Festival on August 14, 2026, at Lahaina Jodo Mission, continuing a cultural tradition despite all three of Lahaina’s Buddhist temples being destroyed in the 2023 wildfires. The free community event runs 5–9 p.m. and is open to residents and visitors. The Lahaina O-Bon Festival takes […]
HTA Releases 2026–28 Tourism Management Plans Targeting Stressed Hotspots
The Hawaii Tourism Authority has published new three-year Destination Management Action Plans for all major islands, identifying high-traffic sites under strain and outlining community-guided steps to manage visitor impact. Maui’s plan focuses on the Hāna Highway corridor and Ke’anae Peninsula. HTA’s 2026–28 DMAPs cover Maui, Moloka’i, Lāna’i, O’ahu, Kaua’i, and Hawai’i Island, each targeting specific […]
Free Kids Fishing Tournament Planned Aug. 22 at Kā’anapali Golf Course
The Pilikahakai Foundation is hosting a free catch-and-release fishing tournament for West Maui children ages 5–15 on August 22 at Kā’anapali Golf Course. The family-friendly event runs from 8–11 a.m. and includes prizes and outdoor activities. The inaugural Kā’anapali Keiki Fishing Tournament takes place Saturday, Aug. 22, from 8 to 11 a.m. at Kā’anapali Golf […]
Maui Musician Marty Dread Performs at Kapalua, Drops Two Reggae Albums
Maui-based reggae artist Marty Dread is releasing two new vinyl albums featuring Jamaican music legends and is set to perform at The Ritz-Carlton, Maui Kapalua. The releases include collaborations with members of The Wailers and Bob Marley’s engineer. Marty Dread will perform at The Ritz-Carlton, Maui Kapalua on Friday, August 8. His album ‘In Your […]
Coqui Frog Spread Threatens More of Maui as Control Resources Shrink
The Maui Invasive Species Committee has cut field staff and shifted strategy, asking some Haiku residents to treat coqui infestations themselves. Locals warn that without more resources, the loud, invasive frogs could spread beyond their current 6-square-mile range into other parts of Maui. MISC field staff has dropped to just two workers and a supervisor, […]
Free Hula Festival Returns to Kāʻanapali Beach Aug. 21–22, 2026
The Emma Farden Sharpe Hula Festival will be held at the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows on August 21–22, 2026, featuring two days of free hula performances, cultural workshops, and local vendors. The event marks the festival’s return to Lahaina at the resort’s reimagined Kāʻanapali Beach property. The two-day festival runs Friday evening (5:30–9 p.m.) […]