Lahaina Survivors Warn of Unlicensed Contractors Scamming Fire Victims
Waterman Archie Kalepa and other Lahaina fire survivors are pushing state officials to strengthen penalties against unlicensed contractors who are taking advantage of disaster victims during the rebuild. The state DCCA receives hundreds of similar complaints annually and has enlisted Kalepa as a spokesperson to raise awareness. Kalepa paid roughly $200,000 to an unlicensed contractor […]
ʻUlu o Lele Marketplace to Bring 25 Vendors Back to Lahaina’s Front Street This Fall
Multiple outlets including Maui Now, Hawaii News Now, and Maui County reported that the ʻUlu o Lele marketplace — the first project to restore storefronts to Lahaina’s Front Street since the 2023 wildfire — is set to open in September 2026. The $8 million initiative is led by the nonprofit Hawaiian Council and will occupy […]
Maui County Waterline Work to Disrupt Roads and Water Service July 6–8
Maui County has announced two separate scheduled waterline repair projects affecting roads and water service in Makawao and Wailuku during the nights of July 6–8, 2026. Both notices were issued by Maui County on July 2 and warn of brief water service interruptions and restricted vehicle access during overnight work windows. Central Avenue in Wailuku […]
Lahaina’s First Post-Fire Commercial Marketplace Coming to Front Street
Multiple outlets reported this week that officials have announced the ʻUlu o Lele Marketplace, Lahaina’s first commercial project returning to Front Street since the August 2023 wildfires. The temporary marketplace is expected to open this fall and is designed to help local businesses, nonprofits, and cultural practitioners rebuild while permanent redevelopment continues. The project marks […]
Front Street Walkway Blessing Marks Step Toward Lahaina Commercial Revival
Maui County completed a major sidewalk and railing restoration project along Front Street in Lahaina, celebrated with a formal blessing attended by about 150 residents and local officials. The project is part of the broader effort to restore commercial activity to the fire-devastated town. The restored Front Street walkway covers 1,450 feet of repaired sidewalk […]
UH Study Examines Whether Humpback Whales Enrich Maui Waters
Researchers from UH Mānoa and Pacific Whale Foundation completed initial seawater sampling to determine whether humpback whales measurably fertilize Maui Nui’s waters through a process called the ‘whale pump.’ The multi-year study tracked nutrient levels across the full whale season between Molokini Crater and Māʻalaea Bay. 75 seawater samples were collected over 33 weeks spanning […]
Lahaina Wildfire Documentary to Screen at UN Indigenous Forum in April
The documentary ‘Lāhainā Rising,’ which covers the August 2023 Maui wildfires and their aftermath, will be screened at a United Nations forum on Indigenous issues on April 24, 2026. A Hawaiian community delegation will attend to raise issues including health, water rights, and Indigenous sovereignty. The award-winning film ‘Lāhainā Rising’ will be shown as an […]
Top 5 Maui Art Galleries Recognized in 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards
Hawaii Magazine’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards highlights five standout art galleries across Maui, from Makawao to Wailea. These spots draw visitors looking to explore the island’s local and international art scene. Maui Hands Art Galleries, with locations in Makawao, Pāʻia, and Wailea, took the top spot representing nearly 300 local artists and artisans. Lahaina Galleries, […]
Maui Conducts Monthly Outdoor Warning Siren Test July 1
Maui County’s Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) issued two alerts on July 1, 2026 covering the monthly test of the Hawaii All-Hazard Outdoor Warning Siren System. Multiple county notices confirmed the test took place at 11:45 AM and invited residents to report what they heard via an online survey. The Hawaii All-Hazard Outdoor Warning Siren System […]
Kaiser Permanente Secures Permanent Lahaina Clinic Site on Honoapiilani Hwy
Kaiser Permanente and Maui Health have identified a 3.5-acre parcel at 910 Honoapiilani Highway for a new permanent Lahaina clinic, replacing the one destroyed in the 2023 wildfires. No construction timeline or completion date has been announced yet. The new clinic site is located near the Pioneer Mill Smokestack at 910 Honoapiilani Highway in Lahaina. […]