New Visitor Safety Program to Be Presented at South Maui Rotary Meeting
A presentation on May 13 will introduce a new visitor safety program developed by the Maui Nui Visitor Aloha Society in partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority. The program includes volunteer training and cultural awareness components. Dr. Alexandra Witkin will present the Maui Nui Visitor Aloha Society program at Kīhei-Wailea Rotary on May 13, 1:30-2:30 […]
HTA Launches Grant Programs for Maui Tourism Businesses and Nonprofits
The Hawaii Tourism Authority is accepting applications through June 8 for two programs that provide training and $10,000 grants to Maui organizations developing community-centered tourism experiences. The programs focus on stewardship activities and regenerative visitor experiences. Applications due June 8 for Community Stewardship and Regenerative Experiences programs targeting Maui-based organizations. Participants receive four months of […]
Hawaii Plans Push to Bring High-Spending Japanese Tourists to Maui
A new state report shows Japanese visitor arrivals have only recovered to 46% of pre-pandemic levels, with most staying on Oahu rather than visiting Maui. The state plans to work with Japanese travel partners to promote Maui as Japanese tourists are among the highest-spending visitors. Japanese visitor arrivals statewide have only recovered to 46.4% of […]
Food Bank Leader Departs After Guiding Post-Crisis Operations
Maui Food Bank CEO Lisa Paulson will step down April 15 to pursue national advocacy work. She led the organization since August 2024 during a period of 65% increased food insecurity. CEO Lisa Paulson leaves April 15 after leading the food bank since August 2024. Her tenure coincided with a 65% surge in food insecurity […]
Travel Writer Compares Big Island’s Kua Bay to Maui’s Resort Beaches
A travel article highlights Big Island’s Kua Bay as a $10 alternative to Maui’s expensive resort beaches like Ka’anapali, where visitors pay $40-250 in daily resort fees. Ka’anapali Beach attracts over 2 million visitors annually with resort fees of $40-250 per night plus parking costs of $30-50. Big Island’s Kua Bay charges only $10 for […]
Maui County’s Annual Address to Cover Housing, Recovery, and Tourism Balance
Mayor Bissen will deliver his 2026 State of the County Address on March 5, focusing on wildfire recovery, housing solutions, and economic development including visitor industry balance. The address will highlight progress on housing, recovery, and economic stability while outlining future community strengthening actions. Key priorities include advancing local housing solutions and continuing wildfire recovery […]
Hawaii Seeks Tax on Car Rentals to Fund $904M Employee Payments
Hawaii teachers union proposes closing a tax ‘loophole’ on car rental companies to help fund $200M in pandemic hazard pay, as the state considers nearly $904M total in COVID-related payments to public employees. Teachers union suggests imposing retail tax on car rental company wholesale vehicle purchases to fund $200M in pandemic pay. Governor Green requests […]
Annual Whale Tales Festival Kicks Off at Kapalua Resort This Week
The popular Whale Tales educational festival launches today at The Ritz Carlton Maui Kapalua, offering visitors and locals marine life programs during peak humpback whale season. Festival coincides with prime humpback whale viewing season in Maui waters Educational programs and activities available for families and marine life enthusiasts Event takes place at The Ritz Carlton […]
Ka’anapali Gets New World-Class Pickleball Courts Through Hyatt-Ohana Partnership
The Hyatt Regency Maui has teamed up with Ohana Pickleball Club to create a top-tier pickleball facility in Ka’anapali, adding another recreational amenity to West Maui’s tourism offerings. Ka’anapali resort area expands its recreational activities with dedicated pickleball courts and programming Partnership brings professional-grade facilities and instruction to both resort guests and local pickleball enthusiasts […]
Fairmont Kea Lani to Host Hawaiian Language Celebration Event Called Hookumu
The Fairmont Kea Lani resort is organizing a special cultural event named Hookumu to honor Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language Month). This celebration will offer guests and locals opportunities to engage with authentic Hawaiian language and cultural practices. The resort’s Hookumu event celebrates Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, demonstrating commitment to preserving Hawaiian culture and language Visitors […]