Local Film Festival Features Lahaina Fire Documentary and Cultural Stories
The Wailuku Film Festival runs June 17-20 with screenings including a documentary about the 2023 Lahaina wildfire and other Indigenous cultural stories. Films will be shown at the Iao Theater with topics ranging from local recovery to international Indigenous issues. The festival includes ‘Lāhainā Rising,’ a documentary about the August 2023 wildfire that displaced over […]
Maui Tour Company Adds New 40-Passenger Whale Watching Vessel
Makai Adventures has taken delivery of a new 41-foot rigid inflatable boat designed for whale watching tours, capable of carrying 40 passengers with enhanced stability and comfort features. The custom-built vessel can transport up to 40 passengers plus two crew members. Twin 450hp Yamaha outboards provide high speeds for faster transit to whale watching areas. […]
Three-Day Lahaina Homecoming Event Set for July to Support Fire Recovery
A three-day community gathering called Lahaina Homecoming will take place July 17-19 along Front Street in Lahaina to celebrate culture and support ongoing recovery efforts. Multiple sources report the event will feature cultural programming, storytelling, and opportunities for local vendors as the community continues rebuilding from the 2023 wildfire. Event will run July 17-19, 2026 […]
Maui County Opens $850K Makahiki Grant Program for Cultural Events
Maui County launched a new grant program offering $850,000 to fund Makahiki season events, festivals, and cultural activities. Applications are open through July 10 for organizations wanting to create programs that celebrate Hawaiian culture and engage both residents and visitors. The County’s Office of Economic Development is accepting grant applications through July 10, 2026 for […]
Iao Valley Heritage Park Reopens After March Storm Damage Repairs
Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens at Iao Valley has reopened following repairs from severe March storm damage, though two picnic pavilions remain closed. The county park reopened Saturday after being closed since March due to Kona low storm damage. Severe erosion and flooding undercut two picnic pavilions, which remain closed for ongoing repairs. All seven cultural heritage […]
Hotels Now Training Staff to Warn Visitors About Protected Marine Animals
Hawaii launches new program training hotel staff to educate guests about monk seals and sea turtles before beach visits, following incident where visitor threw rock at endangered seal in Lahaina. Hawaii Marine Animal Response created Marine Stewards Program for hotel staff, concierges, and tour operators to educate visitors about wildlife safety. Program launched after Washington […]
Music and Food Festival Returns to Support Lahaina Recovery Efforts
The Hua Momona Foundation will host its third annual music and food festival August 21-22 at Hyatt Regency Maui, raising funds for Lahaina rebuild efforts and community programs. The two-day event features headliners Taimane and Los Lobos with multiple acclaimed chefs participating. Last year’s festival raised over $200,000 for local food distribution, housing replacement, and […]
Iao Valley’s Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens Reopens Following March Storm Damage
Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens at Iao Valley has reopened after repairs from March storm damage, though two picnic pavilions remain closed. Visitors are advised to use caution due to ongoing hazards. The county park reopened Saturday after severe damage from back-to-back Kona low storms in March. Picnic Pavilions 1 and 2 remain closed as repair work […]
DLNR Clarifies Makena State Park Upgrade Plans Amid Social Media Rumors
The state is clarifying its proposal to add restrooms, showers, and paved parking at Makena State Park after social media misinformation spread about the project. No changes are planned to beach access or visitor fees. Proposed upgrades include two restrooms, two showers, paved parking improvements, and staff infrastructure at Makena State Park. Access to the […]
Earth, Wind & Fire Concert at MACC to Include Food Drive for Fire Victims
The legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire will perform at MACC on June 14 with special guest John Cruz. Concert attendees are encouraged to bring food donations for wildfire victims through the Maui Food Bank. Earth, Wind & Fire returns to Maui for the first time in 13 years with a June 14 concert at […]