RISE Maui Summit in August to Focus on Sustainability, Tech, and Lahaina Recovery
The RISE Maui: Sustainability + Tech Summit runs August 17–21 at the Hyatt Regency Maui, bringing together scientists, artists, and cultural practitioners to discuss regeneration, AI, water, and food security. Proceeds from the event will benefit Lahaina rebuilding efforts. The five-day summit takes place August 17–21 at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa in […]
Kīhei Beach Parking Goes Paid for Visitors Starting July 15
Maui County is launching a paid parking program at Kamaʻole Beach Parks I and III on July 15, 2026, charging non-residents up to $10/day while residents park free. Weekend mornings before 10 a.m. will be reserved for Hawaii residents only. Non-resident visitors will pay $10/day, $50/week, or $150/month to park at Kamaʻole I and III […]
Maui Council Committee Moves to Rezone Dozens of STR Properties as Hotels
A Maui County Council committee voted 6-2 to advance two resolutions that would rezone select apartment-zoned vacation rental properties in Kīhei and West Maui into newly created hotel districts. The move is part of the county’s phased effort to resolve the legal status of roughly 4,500 grandfathered vacation rentals on the Minatoya List. The Housing […]
USA Today Urges Visitors Back to Maui and Oahu After Years of Disaster
USA Today highlights Hawaii’s ongoing recovery from the 2023 Lahaina wildfire and 2026 Oahu floods, encouraging mindful tourism to support local economies. Visitor numbers have dipped following both disasters, prompting the state to launch a $2 million summer travel promotion. Hawaii’s tourism economy — nearly a quarter of the state’s GDP — has taken repeated […]
Three Airlines Vie for Federal Subsidy to Keep Lānaʻi Air Service Running
Hawaii Public Radio reported that three airlines — Mokulele Airlines, Pacific Air Charters, and Cape Air — are competing for a U.S. Department of Transportation Essential Air Service subsidy to maintain scheduled flights between Lānaʻi and Maui/Honolulu. The competition follows the expiration of Mokulele’s current two-year EAS contract, which was triggered when the airline said […]
Kīhei Beach Parking Goes Paid for Visitors Starting July 15
Maui County launches its Park Maui paid parking program at Kamaʻole Beach Parks I and III on July 15, 2026. Non-resident visitors will pay $10/day while Hawaii residents park free using a valid Hawaii driver’s license. Non-resident parking fees are $10/day, $50/week, or $150/month, payable via the Park Maui app or on-site pay stations. Hawaii […]
Maui and Lānaʻi Push State for Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Protections
Maui County Council and the Lahaina Community Land Trust are urging the state Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to adopt interim rules restricting the transport of plant materials that could spread coconut rhinoceros beetles to Maui and Lānaʻi. The state has not declared an emergency despite detecting a half-dozen beetles on the islands since April, […]
Maui County Signs Friendship City Pact with Japanese Town That Survived 2011 Tsunami
Maui County and Higashimatsushima City, Japan, have formalized a Friendship City agreement built on shared disaster recovery experiences following the 2023 Maui wildfires. The partnership focuses on cultural exchange, youth education, and mutual support in long-term rebuilding efforts. Mayor Bissen and Higashimatsushima Mayor Atsumi signed the formal agreement at the Kalana O Maui County building […]
Why Hawaii’s Long Flights Amplify Common Airline Conflicts
A pattern of airline disputes — seat complaints, downgrades, mid-flight confrontations — disproportionately escalates on Hawaii routes due to the length and remoteness of the flights. A recent federal ruling against United over misleading window-seat listings brought the issue back into focus. A federal judge refused to dismiss a lawsuit against United Airlines over seats […]
Native Plant Project Aims to Restore Eroding Baldwin Beach Dunes
A University of Hawaii Sea Grant team, backed by a $1 million+ federal grant, is using native groundcover plants to rebuild the sand dune system at Baldwin Beach Park on Maui’s North Shore. Early test plots have shown success in accumulating windblown sand. The National Fish & Wildlife Foundation awarded over $1 million to fund […]