Maui Beach Water Quality Report Shows Pollution Concerns for Swimmers
A 2025 water quality study found nearly 27% of tested beaches across Hawaii failed health standards for bacteria over half the time, with flooding and storms worsening contamination levels. Twenty-four of 90 tested beaches across Oahu, Maui and Kauai failed state health standards for fecal bacteria more than 50% of the time. During recent Kona […]
UH Agriculture College Showcases Community Programs at Annual Maui Fair
The University of Hawaii’s agriculture college participated in the annual Maui AgFest, sharing programs focused on local food production, youth development, and community wellness with hundreds of attendees. CTAHR connected with hundreds of community members at the 17th annual Maui AgFest on May 30. Extension agents showcased the Sage Heart wellness program promoting kitchen herb […]
Hawaii Visitor Spending Up 14% Despite Full Flights and Rising Complaints
April 2026 data shows visitors are spending $278 per person per day, up 14.1% from last year, even as many travelers complain about high costs and say they’re done with Hawaii. Planes remain fully booked despite widespread price concerns. Hawaii visitors spent $278 per person per day in April 2026, representing a 14.1% increase from […]
Earth, Wind & Fire Concert Returns to MACC After 13-Year Break
The legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire will perform at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on June 14, marking their first Maui show in 13 years. The concert coincides with a new HBO documentary about the group. Earth, Wind & Fire performs June 14 at MACC’s A&B Amphitheater with special guest John Cruz. Tickets […]
Maui County Opens $850K Makahiki Grant Program for Cultural Events
Maui County is accepting applications through July 10 for $850,000 in grants to fund Makahiki season cultural programs, festivals, and community events. The program aims to celebrate Hawaiian traditions while supporting local businesses and creating opportunities for residents and visitors. Applications are open until July 10, 2026 for grants supporting Makahiki season programs and events. […]
New Marine Education Program Targets Tourism Staff After Monk Seal Incident
Hawaii Marine Animal Response launched a training program for hospitality workers to educate visitors about protecting endangered marine life, following a recent incident where a tourist threw rocks at a monk seal on Maui. The Marine Stewards Program provides training materials and credentials for tourism industry staff to educate guests about marine wildlife protection. The […]
Kamehameha Day Parade to Close Ka’ahumanu Avenue June 20
The annual Kamehameha Day parade and festival will take place June 20, 2026, closing Ka’ahumanu Avenue from 9:30-11:30 a.m. followed by festivities at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center until 5 p.m. Ka’ahumanu Avenue will be closed from Lunaliho Street to Kahului Beach Road from 9:30-11:30 a.m. for the parade. The parade begins at 9:45 a.m. featuring pāʻū […]
Hawaii Visitor Numbers Drop in April But Tourist Spending Hits $1.7B
Hawaii saw fewer tourists in April with 829,000 visitors, but they spent more money at $278 per person daily, totaling $1.7 billion statewide. Maui hotels experienced higher occupancy and room rates as the island continues recovery. Visitor arrivals decreased slightly from last year, with US West market down 4.8% but US East and Japan markets […]
Iconic R&B Band Earth, Wind & Fire to Perform at MACC This Month
Grammy-winning band Earth, Wind & Fire will perform at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on June 14. The performance coincides with the release of a new HBO documentary about the legendary group. Earth, Wind & Fire will perform at MACC on June 14 with longtime members Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson. A […]
Travel Guide Highlights Eight Quiet Hawaii Towns for Summer Visitors
A travel publication recommends eight small Hawaiian towns as crowd-free summer destinations, including three Maui and Big Island locations that stay quiet despite tourist activity. Hana on Maui’s eastern tip sees day-trippers but empties out after tour groups leave in mid-afternoon. The article promotes Hana-Maui Resort as a low-profile alternative to west Maui resort areas. […]