Zoning and Historic Rules Are Stalling Lahaina’s Rebuild, Three Years On
Nearly three years after the 2023 Lahaina wildfires, only 220 homes have been rebuilt and not a single destroyed business has been fully reconstructed. A layered web of historic-preservation, zoning, and land-use regulations is cited as the primary cause of the slow recovery. Of more than 2,200 structures destroyed, only 220 homes have been rebuilt […]
FEMA Doubles Rent for ~600 Maui Fire Survivors Still in Temp Housing
FEMA is raising rents at its Maui wildfire temporary housing complexes for the second time since March, targeting 50% of Fair Market Rent by September 1. About 600 survivors who have not secured permanent housing are affected, with subsidies set to expire in February 2027. Roughly 600 Maui wildfire survivors in FEMA temporary housing will […]
Nonprofit Aids 185 Maui Fire Survivors with Disabilities Through CDP Grant
The Kelea Foundation used a CDP Hawaii Wildfires Recovery Fund grant to assist 185 Lahaina fire survivors with disabilities, helping them access medical equipment, services, and system navigation. The organization opened 231 support cases and delivered over 130 medical and accessibility items. Kelea Foundation, funded by a CDP Hawaii Wildfires Recovery Fund grant, has opened […]
Hurricane Fausto Tracking Toward Hawaii; Maui Impacts Possible Early Next Week
Hurricane Fausto, currently about 1,645 miles east of Hilo with 100 mph sustained winds, is forecast to approach the Hawaiian Islands early-to-mid next week. Wind and rainfall impacts are an increasing risk, though the exact location and magnitude remain uncertain. Fausto is projected to pass near or just north of the Hawaiian Islands around Tuesday, […]
Maui’s Medical-Only Cannabis Rules: What Visiting Guests Need to Know
Hawaii requires all cannabis buyers — including visitors — to obtain a state-issued medical card (329 card) before purchasing at any of Maui’s five dispensaries. There is no recreational cannabis market in Hawaii. Hawaii has no recreational cannabis program; all purchases require a valid 329 card issued by the Hawaii Department of Health. Out-of-state and […]
Maui Relief Program Restricts New Applicants to Families with Kids Starting Aug. 1
Hawaii’s Department of Human Services is narrowing Maui Relief Program eligibility to households with dependent children under 18 as of August 1, after state disaster relief funds are expected to run out. The program has provided financial assistance to wildfire-affected households since October 2023. Starting Aug. 1, only households with children under 18 may submit […]
New EV Fast-Charging Station Opens at Kapalua Airport
Four 150-kilowatt DC fast chargers are now operational at Kapalua Airport in Lahaina, making it Hawaii’s third NEVI-certified charging location. The installation is part of a statewide multi-site program covering airports and highways across all major Hawaiian islands. The EV charging station at Kapalua Airport officially opened May 13, 2026, with four 150-kW DC fast […]
HTA Awards Cultural Grants to Four Maui Nui Organizations
The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority has awarded cultural preservation grants to four Maui Nui organizations through its Kūkulu Ola program, part of nearly $900,000 distributed to 30 groups statewide. Funded projects run through year-end and include cultural programming accessible to both residents and visitors. Hāna Arts, Ka Ipu Makani Cultural Heritage Center, Kīpahulu ʻOhana Inc., and […]
Ali Wong Brings Stand-Up Shows to Maui Arts & Cultural Center July 30–31
Emmy-winning comedian Ali Wong will perform two nights of stand-up at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on July 30 and 31, 2026. The shows draw on material from her 2024 Netflix special ‘Single Lady.’ Ali Wong performs at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on July 30 and July 31. Wong is a two-time […]
Forbes Highlights Wailea’s Resorts and Activities as Visitor Draw
A Forbes travel feature spotlights Wailea’s luxury resorts, beaches, and cultural activities as key attractions for Maui visitors. The piece underscores ongoing demand for the south Maui resort corridor among high-end travelers. Wailea’s five crescent beaches, 270+ annual sunny days, and luxury resort strip continue to draw upscale visitors to south Maui. Major properties highlighted […]