Three Airlines Vie for Federal Subsidy to Keep Lānaʻi Air Service Running

Coastal scene with turquoise waves crashing on a rocky shore and grass in the foreground.

Hawaii Public Radio reported that three airlines — Mokulele Airlines, Pacific Air Charters, and Cape Air — are competing for a U.S. Department of Transportation Essential Air Service subsidy to maintain scheduled flights between Lānaʻi and Maui/Honolulu. The competition follows the expiration of Mokulele’s current two-year EAS contract, which was triggered when the airline said […]

Hawaiian Airlines Ends Free Meals on Most Mainland Routes Starting July

Airport runway view — Hawaiian Airlines Ends Free Meals on Most Mainland Routes Starting July | Maui Tom's News

Hawaiian Airlines will stop serving complimentary meals on most Hawaii-mainland flights starting July 1, replacing them with a paid pre-order program featuring Maui chef-designed dishes. Passengers can purchase meals ranging from $10.99-$16.99 through advance ordering. Free economy meals end July 1 on most Hawaii-continental US routes, replaced by paid pre-order system. Maui chef Sheldon Simeon […]

American Airlines Cuts Routes Due to High Fuel Costs From Iran Conflict

Road through landscape — American Airlines Cuts Routes Due to High Fuel Costs From Iran Conflict | Maui Tom's News

American Airlines is temporarily suspending select routes in August and September due to elevated jet fuel costs from the ongoing war with Iran. New unemployment claims also jumped to their highest level in four months. American Airlines suspended some summer routes citing fuel costs that remain elevated despite dropping from April peaks. Jet fuel averaged […]

Wailea and Hāna Tourism Destinations Highlighted in Travel Feature

Luxury resort beach — Wailea and Hāna Tourism Destinations Highlighted in Travel Feature | Maui Tom's News

A travel article showcases Maui’s diverse appeal, featuring luxury amenities at Wailea’s Andaz resort and the remote natural beauty of Hāna, highlighting both destinations’ unique attractions for visitors. Andaz Maui at Wailea offers 320 guestrooms and luxury amenities including infinity pools, spa services, and farm-to-table dining on 15 beachfront acres. The resort features Hawaiian cultural […]

Hawaiian Airlines Ends Free Meals, Introduces Paid Maui Chef Menu July 1

Airline plane on ground — Hawaiian Airlines Ends Free Meals, Introduces Paid Maui Chef Menu July 1 | Maui Tom's News

Hawaiian Airlines will eliminate free economy class meals on most mainland flights starting July 1, replacing them with a paid pre-order menu created by Maui chef Sheldon Simeon. Multiple sources reported this marks the end of an era, as Hawaiian was the last major U.S. airline offering complimentary meals on all mainland routes. Free meals […]

Hawaiian Airlines Ends Free Meals, Launches Chef Sheldon Simeon Menu July 1

Tourist beach scene — Hawaiian Airlines Ends Free Meals, Launches Chef Sheldon Simeon Menu July 1 | Maui Tom's News

Hawaiian Airlines will stop serving complimentary meals on domestic long-haul flights starting July 1, replacing them with a pre-order menu featuring dishes by Maui chef Sheldon Simeon priced at $10.99-$16.99. Free meals in main cabin on domestic long-haul flights will end July 1, 2024. New pre-order menu features dishes by James Beard-recognized Maui chef Sheldon […]

Hawaiian Airlines Replaces Free Coach Meals with Paid Chef-Curated Menu

Man relaxing in an airport terminal with feet on a rolling suitcase, watching a plane take off outside through the window.

Hawaiian Airlines announced it will end complimentary main cabin meals on most mainland flights starting July 1, replacing them with pre-order meals created by Maui chef Sheldon Simeon. Multiple sources report this marks a shift from the airline’s longtime practice of including meals with tickets, though officials say the change addresses passenger requests for more […]

Power Plant Closures on Maui and Big Island Delayed Due to EPA Ruling

Garden of the Gods Lanai Hawaii — Power Plant Closures on Maui and Big Island Delayed Due to EPA Ruling | Maui Tom's News

The EPA rejected Hawaii’s plan to shut down aging power plants on Maui and Hawaii Island, forcing Hawaiian Electric to keep the Kahului generating station and others running longer than planned. The Kahului generating station will continue operating beyond its planned retirement date due to grid reliability concerns. Hawaiian Electric says delays in renewable energy […]

Maui’s Remote Red Sand Beach Attracts Visitors Despite Dangerous Access Trail

near red sand beach in hana, maui — Maui's Remote Red Sand Beach Attracts Visitors Despite Dangerous Access Trail | Maui Tom's News

Kaihalulu Beach on Maui continues drawing adventurous travelers with its unique red sand formed by iron oxide, though authorities warn of a steep, slippery access trail that has caused injuries. The beach’s distinctive red color comes from iron oxide in volcanic cliffs that erodes and mixes with black volcanic ash. Visitors must navigate a steep, […]

HVCB Names New VP to Coordinate Tourism Operations Across All Islands

A view of the Iao Valley in Maui, HI, at sunset in December. — HVCB Names New VP to Coordinate Tourism Operations Across All Islands | Maui Tom's News

The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau appointed Elizabeth Loomis as VP of island integration and operations to better coordinate tourism strategies across all four major Hawaiian islands. She will oversee island bureau teams and integrate local perspectives into statewide tourism decisions. Loomis will oversee HVCB teams on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island starting May […]