Maui County Proposes $6M Purchase of West Maui Water Assets
Multiple sources report that Mayor Richard Bissen has submitted a proposal to the Maui County Council to acquire water infrastructure from two private utilities in West Maui. If approved, the deal would significantly expand public control of the region’s drinking water systems, with implications for housing, agriculture, and emergency preparedness. Mayor Bissen submitted the proposal […]
First Front Street Storefronts Return to Lahaina via New Interim Marketplace
A nonprofit-led interim marketplace called ʻUlu o Lele will open at the former Outlets of Maui site on Front Street, bringing up to 50 local vendors and an estimated 90 jobs to Lahaina during its ongoing recovery. The 18-to-24-month project is the first to restore commercial storefronts to Front Street since the 2023 wildfire. ʻUlu […]
Maui County Launches First SMA Boundary Review Since 1979
The Maui Planning Commission will hold a public meeting on July 14 to kick off a formal assessment of Maui’s Special Management Area coastal boundary, which hasn’t been updated in over 45 years. The multi-year review could eventually affect development rules for shoreline properties. The County of Maui is assessing whether its SMA boundary — […]
Free 3-Day Lahaina Homecoming Event Set for July 17–19, 2026
The Maui Economic Recovery Commission and Festivals of Aloha are hosting a free, three-day public event in Lahaina July 17–19 to welcome back 103 displaced residents and celebrate community recovery. Events will be held at Lahaina Cannery Mall, Lahaina United Methodist Church, and Campbell Park. Lahaina Homecoming runs July 17–19, 2026, with free admission and […]
Weekly Sunset Jazz Series Returns to Lahaina on July 26
Multiple listings from Maui Now highlight Jazz Maui’s ongoing Sunday Sunset Jazz concert series, with a featured performance by acclaimed vocalist Sheryl Renee on July 26. The event takes place in an open-air pavilion in Lahaina and pairs live jazz with chocolate and beverage tastings. Seating is limited and advance tickets are required. Jazz Maui […]
Maui Visitor Growth Forecast at 7.5% as Hotel Occupancy Nears 70%
Multiple outlets are reporting that Maui’s tourism recovery is gaining momentum heading into 2026, with new economic data pointing to strong visitor growth outpacing the rest of the state. UHERO forecasts and county visitor projections paint an optimistic picture for the island’s hospitality sector, with resorts like the Fairmont Kea Lani investing heavily in the […]
Fire-Destroyed Lahaina Affordable Housing Complex Fully Occupied After Rebuild
The 89-unit Kaiāulu o Kupuohi affordable housing community in Lahaina, destroyed in the 2023 wildfires, has been rebuilt and is fully occupied again as of late June 2026. About half of residents are returning tenants, with the other half being wildfire survivors previously in temporary housing. The 89-unit affordable housing development at 258 Kupuohi St. […]
West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply Reopens in Lahaina After 2023 Fire
West Maui Sports & Fishing Supply has returned to Lahaina with a new flagship store at Lahaina Cannery, nearly three years after losing its original location in the August 2023 wildfire. The grand opening drew hundreds of community members and marks another milestone in Lahaina’s ongoing commercial recovery. The business reopened at Lahaina Cannery, 1191 […]
East Maui Ditch System’s Future Unresolved as New Land Board Chair Takes Over
A dispute over who should manage East Maui’s century-old ditch system — which supplies water to Upcountry and Central Maui — remains unresolved after more than seven months of failed negotiations between the East Maui Water Authority and farming operation Mahi Pono. A new BLNR chair took over this week, and the issue may appear […]
Maui Visitor Growth Forecast at 7.5% as Hotels Report Rising Occupancy
Multiple outlets are reporting on new economic data showing Maui’s tourism sector is gaining momentum heading into 2026. UHERO forecasts project a 7.5% growth rate in Maui’s average daily visitor count for the year, outpacing the rest of the state, while early 2026 hotel occupancy approached 70% as travel demand continues to rebound post-wildfire. UHERO […]