Hawaii’s $20B State Budget Allocates $200M for Maui Wildfire Recovery
Hawaii’s executive operating budget includes $200 million designated for Maui wildfire recovery efforts, including rebuilding King Kamehameha III Elementary School. The budget was shaped by revenue losses, federal funding cuts, and ongoing climate disaster costs. $200 million in state funds has been directed toward Maui wildfire recovery within Hawaii’s $20.32 billion operating budget. Rebuilding King […]
HCF’s Maui Strong Fund Has $30M Left to Deploy Three Years After Wildfires
The Hawaiʻi Community Foundation has raised over $212 million through its Maui Strong Fund since the 2023 wildfires and has $30 million remaining to distribute toward long-term recovery. The foundation is also responding to Hurricane Lala damage statewide through its newly launched Stronger Hawaiʻi Fund. HCF’s Maui Strong Fund has raised more than $212 million […]
Maui Music & Food Festival Returns to Kāʻanapali Aug. 21–22
The third annual Maui Music & Food Experience takes place at Hyatt Regency Maui in Kāʻanapali on August 21–22, featuring live music, chef-curated food stations, and headliners Los Lobos and Taimane. The event benefits the Hua Momona Foundation, which supports food relief, Lahaina rebuilding, and a West Maui youth music program. The two-day festival runs […]
Hurricane Lala Leaves Thousands of Maui Customers Without Power
Multiple sources report that Tropical Storm/Hurricane Lala struck Hawaii on August 16, 2026, knocking out power to tens of thousands of customers across the state, including significant outages on Maui. The storm caused widespread damage statewide, and Hawaiian Electric warned that some customers — particularly in rural areas — should prepare for extended or multi-week […]
OGG to Wailea: Transfer Options, Costs, and Travel Times for Guests
A practical guide outlines the main ground transportation choices from Kahului Airport to Wailea resorts, covering rental cars, taxis, rideshares, and private transfers. Costs and travel times vary significantly depending on group size, resort parking fees, and planned island exploration. The drive from OGG to Wailea covers 17–19 miles and typically takes 30–40 minutes, with […]
Tropical Cyclone Lala Disrupts Maui Transit, Events on Aug. 15
Tropical Cyclone Lala is causing event postponements and significant reductions to public transportation across Maui County on August 15, 2026. Bus services, paratransit, and interisland shuttles are operating on modified or suspended schedules as the storm approaches. Maui Bus fixed-route and commuter services to West and South Maui are suspended Saturday, with most routes ending […]
Animated Film Series Honoring Lahaina Comes to Queen Kaʻahumanu Center Aug. 27
Four animated short films capturing Lahaina community memories will be unveiled on August 27 at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center as part of ongoing cultural recovery efforts following the 2023 wildfires. The exhibit runs through September before traveling to New York University. The ‘Perfect Days’ film collection features nine Lahaina storytellers sharing family traditions and community memories […]
Maui Road Work Causes Lane Closures on Key Routes Through Aug. 20
The Hawaii Department of Transportation is conducting road work on several major Maui highways through August 20, causing lane closures on routes including Honoapiʻilani Highway and Piʻilani Highway. No closures are scheduled Friday, August 21 in observance of Statehood Day. Honoapiʻilani Highway (Route 30) has multiple lane closures in the Lahaina area Monday–Thursday for guardrail […]
OGG Ground Transport Guide: Taxis, Shuttles, Rideshares & Rental Cars
A travel guide outlines the main transportation options from Kahului Airport to Maui’s resort areas, including taxis, shared shuttles, rideshares, and rental cars. Pricing benchmarks and logistics are provided for each option. Taxis from OGG run approximately $33–$55 to Kihei, $57 to Wailea, and $87 to Kaanapali for up to four passengers. Shared shuttle services […]
Kahua Card Program Highlights Maui’s Ongoing Long-Term Recovery Needs
Nearly three years after the 2023 Lahaina wildfires, a local community card program called Kahua is helping displaced residents as long-term recovery continues well beyond the initial emergency relief phase. New research shows persistent mental health, housing, and financial challenges among fire survivors. Over 70% of displaced Maui residents in temporary housing have remained in […]