Hawaii Visitors Spending More Per Day But Cutting Trips Shorter
May 2026 Hawaii visitor data shows total spending and daily spend both rose year-over-year, but average trip length dropped 10.3%—from 8.47 to 7.60 days—across nearly every major visitor market. The trend suggests travelers are trading vacation length for affordability rather than skipping Hawaii altogether. Statewide visitor spending rose 5.3% to $1.77 billion in May 2026, […]
UH Study Examines Whether Humpback Whales Enrich Maui Waters
Researchers from UH Mānoa and Pacific Whale Foundation completed initial seawater sampling to determine whether humpback whales measurably fertilize Maui Nui’s waters through a process called the ‘whale pump.’ The multi-year study tracked nutrient levels across the full whale season between Molokini Crater and Māʻalaea Bay. 75 seawater samples were collected over 33 weeks spanning […]
Top 5 Maui Art Galleries Recognized in 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards
Hawaii Magazine’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards highlights five standout art galleries across Maui, from Makawao to Wailea. These spots draw visitors looking to explore the island’s local and international art scene. Maui Hands Art Galleries, with locations in Makawao, Pāʻia, and Wailea, took the top spot representing nearly 300 local artists and artisans. Lahaina Galleries, […]
Weekly Sunset Jazz Series Returns to Lahaina on July 26
Multiple listings from Maui Now highlight Jazz Maui’s ongoing Sunday Sunset Jazz concert series, with a featured performance by acclaimed vocalist Sheryl Renee on July 26. The event takes place in an open-air pavilion in Lahaina and pairs live jazz with chocolate and beverage tastings. Seating is limited and advance tickets are required. Jazz Maui […]
Maui Visitor Growth Forecast at 7.5% as Hotel Occupancy Nears 70%
Multiple outlets are reporting that Maui’s tourism recovery is gaining momentum heading into 2026, with new economic data pointing to strong visitor growth outpacing the rest of the state. UHERO forecasts and county visitor projections paint an optimistic picture for the island’s hospitality sector, with resorts like the Fairmont Kea Lani investing heavily in the […]
Maui Visitor Growth Forecast at 7.5% as Hotels Report Rising Occupancy
Multiple outlets are reporting on new economic data showing Maui’s tourism sector is gaining momentum heading into 2026. UHERO forecasts project a 7.5% growth rate in Maui’s average daily visitor count for the year, outpacing the rest of the state, while early 2026 hotel occupancy approached 70% as travel demand continues to rebound post-wildfire. UHERO […]
Maui Visitor Spending Up 26% in May, Leading All Hawaiian Islands
Maui recorded $523.2 million in visitor spending in May 2026, a 26.4% jump from a year earlier, with arrivals up 18.4% as the island continues rebounding from the 2023 wildfires. Maui outperformed every other island in the state for both spending and arrival growth. Maui welcomed 231,331 visitors in May, up 18.4% year-over-year, approaching pre-wildfire […]
Wailuku First Friday Returns July 3 with Live Music and Local Vendors
Wailuku First Friday hosts its July event on the evening of July 3, 2026, featuring live bands, a DJ, and local vendors along Market Street. The free community event draws both residents and visitors to historic Wailuku Town. The event runs 6–9 p.m. on July 3 along Market Street in Wailuku, with two live bands […]
Maui Fire Dept. Issues July 4th Fireworks Rules, Sales Locations & Safety Tips
Multiple Maui news outlets reported that the Maui County Department of Fire and Public Safety has released official guidance ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, covering where and when fireworks will be sold, legal use hours, and safety reminders. Consumer fireworks sales run June 29 through July 4 at designated tent locations, and residents […]
Molokai’s Only Hotel Highlights Island’s Intentional Anti-Tourism Stance
A traveler reviews Hotel Molokai, the island’s sole traditional hotel at $260/night, highlighting how local community resistance has kept large-scale tourism development minimal on Molokai for decades. Molokai has only one traditional hotel — Hotel Molokai — after other resorts closed by the 2000s due to local opposition. The island’s community has long resisted mass […]