West Maui Tourism Rebounds: Occupancy Tops 76% as Recovery Continues
Visitor arrivals to Maui rose 11.5% in February 2026 year-over-year, with hotel occupancy in the Lahaina-Kāʻanapali-Kapalua corridor climbing above 76%. Lahaina’s commercial core remains largely closed, though infrastructure restoration and a planned interim vendor marketplace signal ongoing progress. Maui visitor arrivals increased 11.5% in February 2026 compared to the prior year, indicating strengthening tourism demand. […]
Maui Ocean Center Hosts Free Documentary Screening on Mā’alaea Bay Restoration
Maui Ocean Center will screen a free documentary about community-led efforts to restore Mā’alaea Bay on August 13, 2026. A public Q&A with local scientists and organizations follows, including discussion of a proposed regional wastewater facility. The free screening takes place August 13, 2026 at Maui Ocean Center’s Sphere Theater in Mā’alaea — reservations required […]
Kaanapali Beach Sand Restoration Plan Draws Community Pushback
A privately funded project to pump 75,000 cubic yards of offshore sand onto Kaanapali Beach is moving forward but facing significant community opposition. Critics question whether the 20-year fix addresses root causes or delays more permanent solutions. The Kaanapali Beach Restoration Project would dredge offshore sand near Black Rock and deposit it at Canoe Beach […]
2026 Maui Invitational Bracket Set for Nov. 23–25 at Lahaina Civic Center
Multiple sports outlets reported that the full bracket for the 2026 Southwest Maui Invitational has been announced, with eight college basketball teams competing November 23–25 at the Lahaina Civic Center. The tournament features BYU, Washington, Ole Miss, Clemson, Arizona, Colorado State, Providence, and VCU, with all 12 games televised on ESPN networks. The 2026 Southwest […]
Kaanapali Beach Sand Restoration Project Advances Through State Permitting
Multiple outlets report that a proposal to restore eroding Kaanapali Beach by redistributing offshore sand along the West Maui shoreline is progressing through Hawaii’s state permitting process. The project, backed by the Pilikahakai Foundation and Ka’anapali Operations Association, would return the beach to roughly its 1988 profile and is privately funded. The plan faces some […]
Kaanapali Beach Sand Restoration Project Advances Through State Permitting
A proposal to restore eroding Kaanapali Beach by redistributing 75,000 cubic yards of offshore sand has entered the state permitting process. If approved, construction could begin fall 2027. The Pilikahakai Foundation and Ka’anapali Operations Association filed an application with the state Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands to restore the beach to its approximate 1988 […]
HTA-Funded Volunteer Program Addresses Maui’s Unguarded Beach Safety Gaps
The Maui Nui Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaiʻi is recruiting volunteers to educate beachgoers about ocean hazards at unguarded Maui beaches. The program is funded by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority and runs in partnership with Maui County Fire and Public Safety. Aloha Kai Safety Ambassadors will station volunteers at high-risk unguarded beaches to warn visitors […]
Wailuku First Friday Hosts Breakdancing Competition Aug. 7
The 12th annual Uptown Getdown breakdancing competition returns to Wailuku’s First Friday event on August 7, running from 6–9 p.m. on Market Street. The free monthly event draws both residents and visitors with entertainment, food, and local shopping. Uptown Getdown, a 1-on-1 breakdancing tournament, takes place August 7 from 6–9 p.m. on Market Street in […]
Maui Jazz & Blues Festival Returns to Kapalua Aug. 31–Sept. 6
The Maui Jazz and Blues Festival will hold its second consecutive year at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, running August 31 through September 6 with nightly performances and a main extravaganza event on September 5. Organizers will donate over 200 tickets to Lahaina wildfire survivors. The week-long festival features Grammy-winning and Grammy-nominated artists including trumpeter Eddie […]
Maui’s Medical-Only Cannabis Rules: What Visiting Guests Need to Know
Hawaii requires all cannabis buyers — including visitors — to obtain a state-issued medical card (329 card) before purchasing at any of Maui’s five dispensaries. There is no recreational cannabis market in Hawaii. Hawaii has no recreational cannabis program; all purchases require a valid 329 card issued by the Hawaii Department of Health. Out-of-state and […]