FEMA Awards $9.3M to Repair Lahaina-Area Elementary School
FEMA has approved $9.3 million for permanent repairs to King Kamehameha III Elementary School in Maui County as part of a broader $79 million federal disaster recovery allocation. An additional $3.7 million will fund an AI-powered hazard mitigation resource website for Hawaii homeowners. King Kamehameha III Elementary School in Maui County will receive $9.3 million […]
Four Seasons Wailea Opens All-Day Café and Retail Concept with Madhappy
The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea has launched Pantry Maui, a new all-day café and lifestyle retail space developed in partnership with wellness-fashion brand Madhappy. The venue is open to both resort guests and the general public daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pantry Maui blends premium grab-and-go food, specialty beverages, and branded […]
Maui Council Weighs Adding Hundreds of Coastal Condos to Vacation Rental Zones
Two resolutions before the Maui County Council would rezone up to 26 shoreline condo properties into new hotel zoning districts, potentially allowing them to continue operating as vacation rentals rather than being phased out under Bill 9. Sea level rise exposure is cited as justification for exempting these coastal units from the county’s long-term housing […]
Maui Helicopter Tours Shift Toward Private Charters and Immersive Experiences
Maui’s helicopter tourism market is moving away from shared sightseeing routes toward private, customizable charters and immersive add-ons like doors-off flights and rainforest landings. Operators are increasingly marketing these premium experiences to high-end visitors seeking personalized aerial itineraries. Private helicopter charters are the fastest-growing segment, with groups able to customize routes, timing, and special-occasion elements. […]
Animated Short Films Capture Lahaina Residents’ Pre-Fire Memories
Four animated short films preserving personal memories of Lahaina before the 2023 wildfire were unveiled August 27 at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center. The films are part of a broader Lahaina Memorial Project developed through a community storytelling initiative. The ‘Perfect Days’ film series features nine Lahaina community members sharing memories of life in the historic town […]
Maui County Approves Up to $6M to Buy West Maui Private Water Systems
The Maui County Council voted 8-1 to authorize spending up to $6 million to acquire water infrastructure assets from private companies in Launiupoko and Olowalu. The purchase includes wells, reservoirs, booster pumps, pipelines, and easements, though council members noted the deal covers only part of a complete water system. The county’s Department of Water Supply […]
Road to Hāna Guide: What Visitors Should Know Before They Go
The Road to Hāna spans 52 miles with 620 curves and 59 one-lane bridges, taking 2–4 hours from Kahului without stops. The article highlights key attractions, safety considerations, and etiquette for visiting the remote East Maui town. The drive from Kahului to Hāna covers roughly 52 miles and typically takes 2–4 hours nonstop due to […]
Letter Criticizes Maui Council Over Wailea 670 Labor and Water Conditions
A Kihei resident’s letter to the editor argues that several Maui council members failed to require union labor hiring or enforce water availability rules for the Wailea 670 and Makena Resort developments. The letter raises concerns about infrastructure strain on the Iao Aquifer and costs being shifted to residents. A letter writer alleges Maui council […]
$24M Federal Grant to Repair Six Aging Hana Highway Bridges
Six bridges along the popular Hana Highway will be rehabilitated or replaced using $24 million in federal funding. The project is designed to preserve the historic, single-lane character of the road while improving safety and access in East Maui. Six of Hana Highway’s 59 bridges will be rehabilitated or replaced using $24M in federal funding […]
Brush Fire Near Olinda Road Contained Same Day
Maui County’s emergency management agency issued two alerts on August 27, 2026 regarding a brush fire near 2900 Olinda Road. Multiple official updates confirmed the fire was reported in the early afternoon and fully extinguished by late afternoon the same day. A brush fire was reported at approximately 2:15 PM HST near 2900 Olinda Road […]