Two Key Restaurants Resume Operations in Wailea and Lahaina
Kō restaurant has reopened at Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea with a new executive chef, while Sale Pepe becomes the first restaurant to rebuild and reopen in Lahaina after the 2023 fire. Kō restaurant at Fairmont Kea Lani has reopened under executive chef Matt Dela Cruz with a focus on elevated Hawaiian comfort food. Sale […]
Dutch Hotel Renovation Project Targets 2028 Completion
Hotel van Oranje in the Netherlands is undergoing major redevelopment work that will add floors, rooms, and amenities, with reopening planned for autumn 2028. The five-star hotel renovation will expand the property to 244 rooms and suites across 23,000 square meters. New amenities include restaurants, wellness facilities, meeting spaces, and a glass dome dining area […]
Washington Tourist Faces Federal Charges for Throwing Rock at Maui Monk Seal
A Washington state tourist has been arrested on federal charges after allegedly throwing a coconut-sized rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal near Lahaina. Multiple news sources report that the incident was captured on video and has drawn widespread condemnation from officials and the public. Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, from Covington, Washington, faces federal charges […]
Four Seasons Wailea Launches Premium Club Floor Experience
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea has opened a new Club Floor featuring 26 premium rooms with exclusive lounge access and personalized concierge services. The upgrade represents the resort’s push toward higher-end luxury accommodations in the Wailea market. Four Seasons Wailea debuts Club Floor with 26 exclusive rooms and suites offering premium amenities. New Club […]
Federal Charges Filed Against Washington Tourist for Attacking Maui Monk Seal
Multiple news outlets report that a Washington state tourist has been arrested on federal charges for throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal named ‘Lani’ in Lahaina. The incident, which was captured on video and sparked widespread outrage, highlights ongoing tensions between tourists and local wildlife protection efforts. Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, of […]
HTA Launches 2026 Grant Programs for Maui Tourism Businesses and Nonprofits
The Hawaii Tourism Authority is accepting applications through June 8 for two programs that provide $10,000 grants to Maui organizations developing community-centered tourism experiences and stewardship initiatives. Applications due June 8 for two four-month cohort programs running July-October 2026. Community Stewardship program targets Maui nonprofits incorporating visitors into conservation efforts through voluntourism or guided access. […]
Hospitality Industry Executive Changes and Leadership Appointments
Multiple hospitality companies announced new executive appointments and promotions across operations, finance, and technology roles. These leadership changes involve companies managing hotel properties and hospitality technology platforms. Maestro PMS appointed Adam Wilson as president to enhance their property management platform and expand integrations. Schulte Hospitality Group hired Sanjhi Agrawal as EVP of operations accounting and […]
Guam’s $2M Tourism Program Shows Need to Address Pacific Air Travel Costs
Guam launched a $2 million program to offset rising airfare costs as fuel prices drive up travel expenses to Pacific destinations. The territory faces 20% reduced airline capacity and tripled fuel surcharges threatening tourism recovery. Airline seat capacity to Guam has dropped 20% due to jet fuel prices reaching $150-200 per barrel. Fuel surcharges have […]
Washington Tourist Faces Federal Charges for Attacking Maui Monk Seal
Multiple news outlets report that federal authorities charged a Washington state tourist with harassing an endangered Hawaiian monk seal after video captured him throwing a coconut-sized rock at the animal near Lahaina. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and highlights ongoing challenges protecting Hawaii’s critically endangered monk seals. Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, of Covington, Washington […]
HTA Launches Maui-Focused Tourism Programs with $10K Awards for Local Groups
Multiple sources report that the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority has opened applications for its 2026 Community Tourism Collaboratives, exclusively targeting Maui-based organizations. The programs aim to support community-centered tourism while advancing the island’s recovery efforts. Applications are open until June 8, 2026 at noon HST for two cohort-based programs exclusively for Maui organizations Community Stewardship program […]