Lahaina Community Center and Field House Plans Open for Public Input
Maui County is hosting a public meeting May 19 to gather community input on plans for a new multipurpose community center and field house near the Lahaina Recreation Center. The facilities will include basketball courts, meeting spaces, a commercial kitchen, and emergency shelter capabilities. Public meeting scheduled for May 19, 5:30-7 p.m. at Lahaina Civic […]
Maui County Offers $150K Grants for Financial Education Programs
Maui County’s Office of Economic Development is offering $150,000 in grants for financial literacy programs targeting residents and small businesses. Applications are due June 15, 2026. Grant funding prioritizes programs covering budgeting, credit, banking, housing readiness, and small business financial management. Programs integrating workforce development and entrepreneurship support are strongly encouraged. Priority goes to initiatives […]
Weekly Jazz Concert Series Returns to Lahaina Chocolate Factory Venue
Jazz Maui is hosting weekly Sunset Jazz concerts at the Chocolate Factory in Lahaina, featuring live music with chocolate and beverage pairings. The events support local music education programs and require advance ticket purchases. Weekly jazz concerts are being held at the upstairs pavilion of the Chocolate Factory in Lahaina. Events feature live jazz music, […]
Ho’okipa Beach Park Closes for High School Surf Championships This Weekend
Ho’okipa Beach Park will be closed to the public from Thursday evening through Saturday evening for the first-ever state high school surfing championships. Spectators must use free shuttles from off-site parking on Holomua Road. Ho’okipa Beach Park closes Thursday 5 PM through Saturday 5 PM for competition use only. Free shuttle service will transport spectators […]
UC San Diego Researchers Face Weather Delays During Maui Whale Study
UC San Diego marine researchers had to postpone underwater experiments in Maui waters due to heavy rains, flooding, and brown water advisories from recent storms. The team is studying humpback whale behavior and testing underwater camera equipment in collaboration with NOAA’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Recent heavy rains and winds damaged roads […]
UHERO Study Quantifies Ongoing Economic Losses from Wildfire Tourism Drop
A University of Hawaii economic study shows Maui continues to face significant job and revenue losses from reduced tourism following the 2023 wildfires, with impacts spreading statewide through supply chain connections. Maui County lost an average of 18,000 jobs in late 2023, declining to about 9,000 jobs throughout 2024. Statewide economic impact in 2024 reached […]
February Tourist Spending Rises 10.3% as Economic Recovery Continues
Tourist spending in Hawaii increased 10.3% in February while UHERO released analysis on Maui’s post-fire tourism economic impact. Several other legal and political developments are affecting the state. February tourist spending increased 10.3% compared to the previous period. UHERO published analysis examining the economic impact of Maui’s tourism downturn following the fires. Honolulu officials are […]
Gov. Green Appoints New Circuit Court Judges for Maui and Kauai
Governor Green appointed two new Circuit Court judges – Annalisa Bernard Lee for Maui’s Second Circuit and Michael Soong for Kauai’s Fifth Circuit. Both currently serve as District Court judges and their appointments require State Senate confirmation. Annalisa Bernard Lee promoted from District to Circuit Court judge for Second Circuit covering Maui. Michael Soong appointed […]
February Tourism Recovery Shows Strong Growth for Maui Property Market
Multiple sources report that Maui’s tourism industry posted significant gains in February 2026, with both visitor arrivals and spending increasing substantially compared to the previous year. The recovery continues more than two years after the Lahaina and Upcountry wildfires affected the island’s tourism sector. Maui welcomed 223,227 visitors in February 2026, an 11.5% increase over […]
Native Hawaiian Housing Fund Relaunched After March Storm Damage
A nonprofit has reactivated its anti-displacement fund to help Native Hawaiian homeowners repair storm damage from March 2026’s kona storms. The fund aims to raise $20 million for home repairs and prevent displacement across affected Hawaiian Home Lands. Hawaii Community Lending revived the Kānaka Anti-Displacement Fund with $1 million seed money, targeting $20 million in […]