Maui Offers Property Tax Deadline Extension for TS Lala-Affected Owners
Mayor Bissen has opened a one-time application process allowing property owners impacted by Tropical Storm Lala to defer their FY2026-27 real property tax payment beyond the August 20, 2026 deadline. Approved applicants must still pay in full by September 20, 2026 to avoid penalties. Property owners negatively impacted by Tropical Storm Lala can apply for […]
Maui Sees 25% Drop in International Visitors Amid STR Rules and Rising Costs
Maui’s tourism recovery has stalled in 2026, with international visitor numbers down 25% as new short-term rental restrictions and higher travel costs reshape the visitor mix. Early 2026 showed strong domestic arrivals, but structural policy changes and global inflation have offset those gains. International visitor arrivals to Maui dropped 25% in 2026, attributed to new […]
99th Maui County Fair Parade Set for Oct. 1; Entry Deadline Sept. 1
Multiple sources report that the 99th Maui County Fair Parade is scheduled for October 1, 2026, with a registration deadline of noon on September 1. The annual event, presented by Maui Land & Pineapple Company and supported by the County of Maui, draws residents and visitors together for four days of food, entertainment, and culture. […]
Tropical Cyclone Lala Disrupts Maui Transit, Events on Aug. 15
Tropical Cyclone Lala is causing event postponements and significant reductions to public transportation across Maui County on August 15, 2026. Bus services, paratransit, and interisland shuttles are operating on modified or suspended schedules as the storm approaches. Maui Bus fixed-route and commuter services to West and South Maui are suspended Saturday, with most routes ending […]
Maui Council Greenlights 2026 County Fair and Aloha Classic Windsurfing Permits
The Maui County Council unanimously approved special event permits for the 2026 Maui County Fair (Oct. 1–4 in Wailuku) and the Aloha Classic Windsurfing Tournament (Oct. 19–30 at Hoʻokipa Beach Park). Both events are expected to draw significant visitor traffic to the island this fall. The 99th Maui County Fair runs Oct. 1–4 at the […]
Haiku Fire Station Delayed Again Over Land Title Legal Dispute
A proposed new fire station in Haiku has been stalled by a contested land ownership dispute, prompting the Maui County Council committee to seek legal counsel and postpone any vote until August 24. The 17-year-in-the-making project requires rezoning approvals before construction can begin. The Maui County Council’s Housing and Land Use Committee delayed action on […]
State Board to Hold East Maui Water License Hearing Amid Misinformation Concerns
Multiple sources report that the state Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) held a hearing on August 14, 2026 regarding East Maui water licenses, with DLNR issuing a clarification after a doctored version of the official agenda circulated publicly. The actual agenda item seeks to authorize a public auction for a water license — […]
Maui County Hosts Free Recovery Event for Lahaina Seniors on Aug. 19
The County of Maui Office of Recovery is hosting a free community gathering for Lahaina kūpuna on August 19 at the Lahaina Civic Center, featuring Hawaiian music, food, and on-site recovery resource providers. The event runs 3–6 p.m. and is open to the public. The free Hot Kūpuna Nights event takes place August 19, 2026, […]
Maui County Council Approves Free Bus Rides During Special Events
The Maui County Council passed a bill allowing the county transportation director to suspend bus fares for up to 14 days per year during permitted special events, parades, or emergencies. The move expands an existing fare-free program and aims to reduce single-vehicle traffic on the island. The transportation director can now waive bus fares for […]
South Maui Water System Near Capacity; County Eyes $53M Desalination Plant
Maui’s Central-South Maui water system is operating nearly at full capacity during dry months, prompting the county to explore a $53 million desalination plant in Kīhei. The project is in early planning stages and received a cautious reception from community members who want conservation measures prioritized first. The Central-South Maui water system delivers 26.79 billion […]