Maui Tourism Recovery Accelerates Despite Visitor Cost Concerns
Maui is seeing faster tourism recovery than other Hawaiian islands with 11.5% increase in arrivals and rising hotel occupancy, though visitors are becoming more cost-conscious and planning shorter stays. Maui arrivals increased 11.5% year-over-year by February 2026 with hotel occupancy rising from 71.5% to 78.0%. The Lahaina-Kaanapali-Kapalua corridor saw occupancy climb from 69.2% to 76.3% […]
Hawaii Implements New State-Sponsored Retirement Program for Workers
Hawaii has joined other states in adopting automatic retirement accounts that require employers without retirement benefits to enroll workers in individual retirement plans. Philadelphia becomes the first city to launch a similar program. Hawaii is among the first states to adopt automatic retirement programs requiring employers without benefits to enroll workers in IRAs. More than […]
Corruption Investigation Expands to Include Governor Green’s Administration
A bribery investigation involving Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke has expanded to include questions about Gov. Josh Green’s human services director and allegedly fraudulent COVID-19 testing contracts. The state auditor also flagged $1.7 million in questionable spending on Green’s homeless shelter project. Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke took unpaid leave after receiving a target letter in a […]
Tourist Snorkeling Deaths on Maui Raise Safety Questions for Visitors
Health officials are investigating tourist snorkeling deaths in Hawaii, with some experts pointing to a rare condition called rapid-onset pulmonary edema as a possible cause. Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related deaths for tourists in Hawaii, with nearly half from snorkeling. A 68-year-old tourist died while snorkeling near Napili despite being a strong swimmer […]
Local Venison Company Offers Discount on Wild-Harvested Meat Products
Maui Nui Venison is offering a 20% sitewide discount on their wild-harvested Axis deer products. The Hawaii-based company specializes in sustainable meat sourcing from Maui’s invasive deer population. Company offers 20% off wild-harvested venison products with promotional code. Business sources meat from Maui’s invasive Axis deer population as part of ecological management. Products include ground […]
Mayor Plans Community Outreach Events for Molokaʻi, Hāna, and Lānaʻi
Mayor Bissen will hold community meetings on Molokaʻi in late June, with similar events planned for Hāna and Lānaʻi later this summer. The sessions allow residents to meet with county staff and discuss local issues. Community talk story session scheduled for June 29 at Kaunakakai Elementary School from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Mayor’s staff will provide assistance […]
New Airport Retailer Opens at Maui’s Kahului with Local Product Focus
International Shoppes opened duty-free shops at Kahului Airport in April, featuring 60% local Hawaiian merchandise. The company plans renovations at OGG over the next two years under a 10-year state concession. International Shoppes launched operations at Kahului Airport (OGG) and Honolulu Airport in April 2024. Local vendors account for approximately 60% of merchandise at both […]
Missing Fisherman Search Continues After Boat Found Off West Oʻahu
Coast Guard crews are searching for a 61-year-old fisherman who went missing Wednesday after his partially sunken boat was recovered near Waiʻanae. The man departed for a fishing trip early Wednesday and was last known to be fishing off Oʻahu’s southwest coast. A 61-year-old fisherman has been missing since Wednesday after departing on a solo […]
Maui’s Japanese Cultural Festival Draws Hundreds to UH Campus Event
The Japanese Cultural Society of Maui held its 24th annual Matsuri festival at UH Maui College, attracting hundreds of attendees for cultural performances, food, and activities. The event featured performers from Japan and local groups, promoting Japanese culture and community connections. The festival took place May 23 at UH Maui College with the theme ‘tomo’ […]
Cyclists and Officials Gather for Memorial Event Supporting Road Safety
The Maui Bicycling League hosted its annual Ride of Silence to honor cyclists killed on local roads and advocate for safer streets. Mayor Richard Bissen and other officials participated in the event at the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum. The 2026 memorial ride was held despite challenging weather conditions with strong winds and rain. Mayor […]