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 […]
HTA Awards Cultural Grants to Four Maui Nui Organizations
The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority has awarded cultural preservation grants to four Maui Nui organizations through its Kūkulu Ola program, part of nearly $900,000 distributed to 30 groups statewide. Funded projects run through year-end and include cultural programming accessible to both residents and visitors. Hāna Arts, Ka Ipu Makani Cultural Heritage Center, Kīpahulu ʻOhana Inc., and […]
Ali Wong Brings Stand-Up Shows to Maui Arts & Cultural Center July 30–31
Emmy-winning comedian Ali Wong will perform two nights of stand-up at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on July 30 and 31, 2026. The shows draw on material from her 2024 Netflix special ‘Single Lady.’ Ali Wong performs at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on July 30 and July 31. Wong is a two-time […]
Forbes Highlights Wailea’s Resorts and Activities as Visitor Draw
A Forbes travel feature spotlights Wailea’s luxury resorts, beaches, and cultural activities as key attractions for Maui visitors. The piece underscores ongoing demand for the south Maui resort corridor among high-end travelers. Wailea’s five crescent beaches, 270+ annual sunny days, and luxury resort strip continue to draw upscale visitors to south Maui. Major properties highlighted […]
Decomposing Whale Carcass Poses Health Risk Along Molokaʻi South Shore
A humpback whale that died July 10 off Molokaʻi’s south shore is creating a public health hazard as tides move the remains along coastal areas. DLNR is urging residents and visitors to stay out of the water in the affected zone. DLNR is advising people to avoid the water along Molokaʻi’s south shore due to […]
Wailuku Film Festival Draws 5,300+ Visitors in Debut Run
The inaugural Wailuku Film Festival ran June 17–21, 2026, attracting more than 5,300 attendees, screening 100+ films, and generating over 12.5 million media impressions. Wailuku businesses reported increased foot traffic and sales throughout the event. The five-day festival drew over 5,300 total attendees, with multiple screenings at the historic ʻĪao Theater selling out. More than […]