Makawao Water System Shows Trace Selenium — Far Below Safety Limits
Multiple outlets including Maui County, Maui Now, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, and KITV reported that trace levels of selenium were detected for the first time in the Makawao water system during routine testing. Officials from the Department of Water Supply and Hawaii Department of Health confirm the levels pose no health risk and are well below federal […]
Kimo’s Restaurant to Return to Front Street in Rebuilt Lahaina
Multiple sources report that T S Restaurants has signed a letter of intent to reopen Kimo’s Restaurant on a new Front Street location in Lahaina, nearly three years after the iconic eatery was destroyed in the August 2023 wildfire. The restaurant, a Lahaina waterfront landmark for nearly 50 years, will be anchored in the historic […]
March 2026 Floods Expose Hawaii’s Deep Infrastructure and Climate Gaps
A series of severe Kona low storms in March 2026 caused historic flooding across Hawaii, including Maui, with infrastructure repair costs exceeding $1 billion. A Columbia analysis finds the state systemically underprepared across infrastructure, insurance, and economic resilience. Maui was among the islands impacted by the March 2026 flooding, which was Hawaii’s worst since 2004. […]
Southwest Cuts Honolulu–Maui Flights 50%, Adds Kauai and Kona Nonstops
Southwest Airlines has updated its Hawaii schedule through April 2027, halving interisland flights between Honolulu and Maui while adding weekend nonstop service from San Diego to Kauai and Kona. The Honolulu-to-Maui reduction is the most significant change affecting Maui visitor access. Southwest is cutting Honolulu-to-Maui daily flights from 8 to 4 in each direction, reducing […]
Maui Invitational Returns Nov. 23-25 with Sweepstakes Drawing Visitors
The 2026 Southwest Maui Invitational college basketball tournament is set for November 23-25 at the Lahaina Civic Center, featuring eight top programs. A fan sweepstakes running through August 13 is offering trip packages that include flights, hotel stays, and activity experiences on Maui. The tournament runs November 23-25, 2026 at the Lahaina Civic Center, bringing […]
Fatal Koki Beach Drowning Highlights Unguarded Hana Coastline Risks
A California woman died and a Texas woman was hospitalized after both were pulled from the water at Koki Beach near Hana. The incident highlights the absence of lifeguards at popular Road to Hana beaches, including Koki, Hamoa, and Waianapanapa. A 56-year-old woman died and a 53-year-old woman was hospitalized in critical condition after being […]
Maui County Now Allows Up to Two ADUs Per Lot — But Not for STRs
Maui County adopted a new ordinance effective July 8 allowing up to two accessory dwelling units on qualifying residentially zoned lots countywide. The added units are explicitly prohibited from being used as vacation rentals, short-term rentals, or B&Bs. Qualifying residentially zoned properties can now have up to two accessory dwellings (ʻohana units) in addition to […]
Lahaina Homecoming Event Reunites Displaced Families on Front Street
The Lahaina Homecoming event is bringing fire-displaced residents back to Front Street this weekend, ahead of the county’s planned Aug. 1 reopening of that area to the public. Hawaiian Airlines partnered with organizers to fly 103 people from 20 families back to Maui for the community gathering. The community-led, government-supported Lahaina Homecoming event is being […]
Maui County Property Tax First Installment Due August 20
Maui County’s first property tax installment for fiscal year 2026-27 is due by August 20, 2026. Owners who miss the deadline face a one-time 10% penalty plus 1% monthly interest on any unpaid balance. Tax bills have been mailed; not receiving one does not exempt owners from penalties for late payment. Late payments trigger a […]
Kuhinia Maui Gathering Set for Aug. 8 to Mark Three Years Since Wildfires
The County of Maui will host the annual Kuhinia Maui community gathering on August 8, 2026, at Lahaina United Methodist Church to commemorate the third anniversary of the 2023 wildfires. The free all-day event includes music, food, wellness activities, and a tribute ceremony at 5:30 p.m. The free event runs 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. […]