FEMA Updates Housing Rules, 569 Rebuild Permits Issued for Fire Survivors
FEMA released new guidance on temporary housing payments and maintenance requirements for wildfire survivors, while 569 rebuild permits have been issued with 310 homes currently under construction. A Housing & Resource Fair will be held June 6 at Royal Lahaina Resort to connect survivors with housing programs and rental listings. FEMA temporary housing residents must […]
Oahu Condo Market Shifts Toward Local Buyers as STR Rules Tighten
New data shows 83% of Oahu property sales in 2025 went to local buyers, with short-term rental permits now restricted to resort zones like Waikiki. The condo market faces challenges from rising maintenance fees and surprise assessments that can reach tens of thousands. Short-term rental permits are now limited to resort-zoned areas like Waikiki and […]
New Maui Film Festival Features Award-Winning Lahaina Fire Documentary
The inaugural Wailuku Film Festival runs June 17-21, featuring ‘Lahaina Rising,’ a 92-minute documentary about the 2023 Lahaina wildfire that won best feature film at the Hawaii International Film Festival. The five-day Wailuku Film Festival is hosted by the Maui County Film Office and features work from over 55 Hawaii filmmakers plus international creators. ‘Lahaina […]
Lahaina Harbor Dredging Project Begins Monday, Running Through December
A dredging project to remove sediment from Lahaina Small Boat Harbor starts Monday and will run through December 2026. The project will restore proper depths for boats while disposing of any wildfire debris at the landfill. Dredging will deepen the harbor entrance to 13 feet and basin to 10 feet to improve vessel access. All […]
June 3 Lahaina Meeting to Cover Recovery Projects and Community Plans
Maui County is hosting a community meeting on June 3 to discuss Lahaina recovery projects including infrastructure work, the Royal Complex restoration, and Hoʻokumu Hou programs. Multiple agencies will provide resources and answer questions from residents. Meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at Lahaina Intermediate School with livestream options available. Topics include Royal Complex restoration, DOT […]
Maui Ocean Center Hosts Educational Activities for World Ocean Day
Maui Ocean Center will host World Ocean Day celebrations on June 8 with educational activities, marine presentations, and conservation group participation. The event offers discounted admission for Hawaii residents. Event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, June 8 with marine naturalist presentations and educational activities. Features coral feeding stations, shark tooth dig, and […]
Repeat Visitor Shares $13,320 Maui Vacation Breakdown, Cancels 2025 Trip
A long-time Hawaii visitor detailed spending $13,320 on lodging alone for a 20-night Maui and Big Island trip, citing escalating fees as reason for canceling future visits. Annual Hawaii visitor since 2012 spent $13,320 on lodging for 20 nights across Maui and Big Island properties. Costs included $11,800 base lodging plus $1,170 in beach club […]
Hawaii Tourism Revenue Rises 5% Despite Fewer April Visitors
Hawaii tourism generated $1.77 billion in April, up nearly 5% from 2025, even though visitor numbers dropped slightly. Tourists spent more per day but stayed for shorter periods. Total visitor spending reached $1.77 billion in April, a 5% increase despite 0.5% fewer arrivals. Daily visitor spending jumped 14.1% to $278 per person, but average stays […]
Lahaina Harbor Dredging Begins as Part of Post-Fire Reconstruction
State crews start major dredging work at Lahaina Small Boat Harbor to restore depths and support ongoing wildfire recovery efforts. The project includes the first full harbor basin dredging since 1966. Dredging work begins Monday to restore harbor entrance to minus-13 feet and basin to minus-10 feet depth. Commercial boat operations that resumed in December […]
Hawaii Development Authority Marks 50 Years, Eyes Maui Growth Projects
The Hawaii Community Development Authority celebrates its 50th anniversary, highlighting its statewide infrastructure and housing work including projects in Maui’s Pūlehunui area. HCDA has operated for 50 years developing infrastructure, housing, and economic projects across Hawaii. The agency’s investments have leveraged billions in private development and created thousands of housing units statewide. HCDA currently supports […]