Maui Council Advances Bill That Could Preserve Thousands of Vacation Rentals
Multiple sources report that the Maui County Council is considering legislation that could allow thousands of vacation rentals previously slated for phase-out to continue operating through new hotel zoning designations. The Committee on Housing and Land Use voted 6-to-1 in favor of the measure this week, despite opposition from local planning commissions. Bill 88 would […]
Revenue Management Issues Impact Vacation Rental Performance on Maui
Industry experts identify common operational problems that hurt vacation rental revenue, including poor listing quality and flat cleaning fees that reduce bookings during slower periods. 88% of vacation rental listings have quality issues that hurt their search visibility and booking conversion rates. Poor listing content forces revenue managers to lower nightly rates to compensate for […]
State Wildlife Division Seeks Resident Input on Axis Deer Population Impact
The state’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife is asking Maui Nui residents to complete a survey about how the estimated 26,000 axis deer are affecting their lives and property. The anonymous 15-question survey runs through June 30 to help guide management decisions. DLNR estimates 26,000 axis deer currently live on Maui Nui, causing environmental, safety […]
Lahaina Youth Surf Team Achieves State Championship Success After Fires
The Mana Mentors Lahaina Youth Surf Team completed a successful first season with state titles and top finishes, serving families still rebuilding after the wildfires. The program provides coaching and financial assistance to young West Maui surfers. Team members won state titles and multiple podium finishes at major Hawaii youth surfing competitions. Many participating families […]
Maui-born poet explores fire, water themes in new Lahaina-inspired work
Native Hawaiian poet Noʻu Revilla, who grew up on Maui, co-wrote a poem about the 2023 Lahaina fires connecting them to historical water diversion and will give a reading at Hui No’eau on June 4. Revilla collaborated on ‘Aia hea ka wai o Lahaina’ linking the wildfires to colonial water theft in Hawaii. The poem […]
Hawaiian Electric Warns of Active Hurricane Season, Urges Emergency Planning
Hawaiian Electric is calling on Maui residents to prepare emergency plans as forecasters predict 5-13 tropical cyclones this season. The utility recommends 14-day emergency kits and highlights that even unnamed storms can cause widespread power outages. Hurricane season runs June through November with 5-13 tropical cyclones predicted. Downed trees and vegetation are the primary cause […]
South Shore Surf Expected to Rise Above Advisory Levels This Weekend
Multiple south-southwest swells will bring elevated surf to Maui’s southern shores through next week, with waves potentially exceeding High Surf Advisory thresholds by Friday night or Saturday. South-southwest swells will peak Saturday night and maintain elevated surf through Thursday of next week. High Surf Advisory threshold may be exceeded along south-facing shores starting Friday night. […]
Major Maui Developer Reports Reduced Losses But Sharp Revenue Drop in Q1
Maui Land & Pineapple narrowed its quarterly losses but saw revenues fall 41% due to suspended housing projects and reduced land sales activity. Land development revenues plummeted from $2.6 million to $257,000 after state suspension of Honokeana Homes housing project. Commercial real estate leasing remained stable at $2 million with 93% occupancy boosted by post-wildfire […]
Tour Company PacWhale Eco-Adventures to Resume Lahaina Harbor Operations
PacWhale Eco-Adventures will restart ocean tour operations from Lahaina Harbor on June 1, 2026, marking a significant step in tourism recovery following the 2023 wildfires. The company has been operating from Lahaina for over 40 years and provided disaster relief after the fires. PacWhale Eco-Adventures will resume tours from Lahaina Harbor starting June 1, 2026, […]
Kaupakalua Road Shut Down Due to Fallen Power Lines and Trees
Kaupakalua Road is closed between 5 Corners and Maluaina due to downed power lines and trees blocking the roadway. Road closure affects the section of Kaupakalua Road between 5 Corners and Maluaina. Closure caused by downed power lines and fallen trees on the roadway. No timeline provided for when the road will reopen. Property owners […]