March Flooding Creates Federal Aid Centers Amid Record Wet Season
Multiple sources report that Maui County experienced its second wettest season in 30 years, with March flooding prompting federal disaster assistance. FEMA and SBA are operating recovery centers through mid-June to help flood-affected residents and businesses. Maui County recorded its second wettest season in 30 years from October 2025 through April 2026, with rainfall 100-250% […]
Weekend Surf Advisory Expected for South-Facing Shores Through Midweek
Large surf from a south-southwest swell will continue through the weekend and likely return to advisory levels Tuesday through midweek. North and east shores will see small surf conditions. South-facing shores will experience large surf through the weekend that may briefly drop below advisory levels Monday before returning to advisory conditions Tuesday-midweek. North shore surf […]
High Surf Advisory Issued for South-Facing Shores Through Weekend
A High Surf Advisory is in effect for Maui’s south-facing shores through Sunday afternoon due to a building south-southwest swell. Large surf could cause wave runup issues on exposed beaches during peak tide cycles. High Surf Advisory remains active through Sunday afternoon for south-facing shores. Wave runup may sweep across typically dry exposed beaches during […]
Hawaiian Electric Warns of Active Hurricane Season, Urges Emergency Planning
Hawaiian Electric is calling on Maui residents to prepare emergency plans as forecasters predict 5-13 tropical cyclones this season. The utility recommends 14-day emergency kits and highlights that even unnamed storms can cause widespread power outages. Hurricane season runs June through November with 5-13 tropical cyclones predicted. Downed trees and vegetation are the primary cause […]
South Shore Surf Expected to Rise Above Advisory Levels This Weekend
Multiple south-southwest swells will bring elevated surf to Maui’s southern shores through next week, with waves potentially exceeding High Surf Advisory thresholds by Friday night or Saturday. South-southwest swells will peak Saturday night and maintain elevated surf through Thursday of next week. High Surf Advisory threshold may be exceeded along south-facing shores starting Friday night. […]
Child Near-Drownings Spike, Wildfire Power Shutoffs Possible on Maui
Multiple sources report a significant increase in child drowning incidents statewide, while Hawaiian Electric warns of potential power shutoffs on Maui due to wildfire risk conditions. Emergency officials are urging heightened safety precautions for both water and fire hazards. Honolulu EMS has responded to 12 pediatric near-drownings so far this year involving children ages 2-9, […]
Celebrity Real Estate Investment Trends Shape Maui Property Market
High-profile celebrities and tech billionaires are increasingly purchasing luxury properties across Maui, with investments concentrated in areas like Haiku, Wailea, and Upcountry affecting the island’s real estate market dynamics. Celebrity buyers are focusing on specific neighborhoods including Haiku/Huelo for privacy, Wailea/Makena for luxury oceanfront properties, and Upcountry areas for pastoral settings. Properties in celebrity-favored areas […]
Heavy Rains Expected to Increase Maui Wildfire Risk as Vegetation Dries
Recent heavy rainfall across Hawaii has sparked vegetation growth that officials warn will become fire fuel when it dries out during expected drier fall conditions. Wildfire prevention efforts have expanded statewide since the 2023 Maui fires. Recent Kona Low rains triggered vegetation growth that will increase fire risk when it dries out this fall. Hawaii […]
Federal Disaster Aid Approval Rates Vary by State Politics, Affecting Recovery
Federal disaster aid approval rates show sharp political disparities, with 89% of Republican-led state requests approved versus 23% for Democratic-led states. The inconsistent system delays housing recovery and rebuilding efforts nationwide. Disaster aid approval rates vary dramatically between Republican-led states (89%) and Democratic-led states (23%) under current administration. Federal disaster aid decisions rely on political […]
Invasive Fire Ant Detections Spike on Maui, Threatening Tourism and Property
Multiple news sources report that Maui is facing a critical surge in invasive fire ant detections after years of successful control efforts. Officials warn the island may be at a tipping point, with new site discoveries quadrupling in 2024 and the pests now threatening tourism, agriculture, and residential areas. Fire ant detections jumped from an […]