Maui Tourism Recovery Accelerates Despite Visitor Cost Concerns
Maui is seeing faster tourism recovery than other Hawaiian islands with 11.5% increase in arrivals and rising hotel occupancy, though visitors are becoming more cost-conscious and planning shorter stays. Maui arrivals increased 11.5% year-over-year by February 2026 with hotel occupancy rising from 71.5% to 78.0%. The Lahaina-Kaanapali-Kapalua corridor saw occupancy climb from 69.2% to 76.3% […]
Tourist Snorkeling Deaths on Maui Raise Safety Questions for Visitors
Health officials are investigating tourist snorkeling deaths in Hawaii, with some experts pointing to a rare condition called rapid-onset pulmonary edema as a possible cause. Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related deaths for tourists in Hawaii, with nearly half from snorkeling. A 68-year-old tourist died while snorkeling near Napili despite being a strong swimmer […]
New Airport Retailer Opens at Maui’s Kahului with Local Product Focus
International Shoppes opened duty-free shops at Kahului Airport in April, featuring 60% local Hawaiian merchandise. The company plans renovations at OGG over the next two years under a 10-year state concession. International Shoppes launched operations at Kahului Airport (OGG) and Honolulu Airport in April 2024. Local vendors account for approximately 60% of merchandise at both […]
Maui’s Japanese Cultural Festival Draws Hundreds to UH Campus Event
The Japanese Cultural Society of Maui held its 24th annual Matsuri festival at UH Maui College, attracting hundreds of attendees for cultural performances, food, and activities. The event featured performers from Japan and local groups, promoting Japanese culture and community connections. The festival took place May 23 at UH Maui College with the theme ‘tomo’ […]
Upcountry Maui Water Service Back Online After Emergency Mainline Repairs
Water service has been restored to the Makawao area of Upcountry Maui following emergency repairs to a mainline break that were completed ahead of schedule. Water service restored as of 4:30 p.m. on May 25 in the Makawao Avenue to Makani Road area. The affected zone included properties from Old Haleakala Highway to Haleakala Highway. […]
S. Kihei Road Repairs Near Kamaole Beach Park II Target Fall Completion
Maui County awarded emergency repairs for the South Kihei Road sinkhole to P.B. Sullivan Construction, with work beginning June 1st and completion targeted for fall 2026. The county is pursuing federal emergency funding for the complex drainage and roadway reconstruction project. Construction contract awarded to P.B. Sullivan Construction Inc. with work starting June 1, 2026. […]
S. Kihei Road Repairs to Begin June 1, Fall Completion Target Set
Construction on the South Kihei Road sinkhole repair near Kamaole Beach Park II will begin June 1 with a target completion date of fall 2026. The County secured emergency federal funding and awarded the contract to P.B. Sullivan Construction. Construction bids were awarded to P.B. Sullivan Construction Inc. with work starting June 1, 2026. The […]
State Parks Plans Bathroom and Shower Upgrades at Mākena Beach
The state will propose improvements to Mākena State Park in June, including permanent restrooms, outdoor showers, and expanded parking to replace portable toilets and address safety issues. New comfort stations will replace existing portable toilets at both north and south parking lots. Outdoor showers will be added as a new amenity for beach visitors. Parking […]
Legislature Passes Bill to Speed Infrastructure Rebuilding in Lahaina
A new bill would exempt government infrastructure projects in Maui County from lengthy Special Management Area reviews, potentially speeding up critical utility and road rebuilding in fire-affected areas. HB1823 would waive SMA permit requirements for federal, state, and county infrastructure projects with minimal environmental impact. The bill addresses delays not covered by previous exemptions for […]
Hawaiian Electric Faces Ongoing Legal Battles Over Maui Fire Liability
Hawaiian Electric continues to deal with litigation related to the Maui wildfires, highlighting ongoing legal and financial risks for the utility company. Hawaiian Electric faces continued litigation stemming from the Maui wildfire incidents. Wildfire liability laws in some Western states can hold utilities responsible for fire damage regardless of fault. Utility companies in fire-prone areas […]