Three Hurricanes Hit Hawaii in 2026 Season, Battering Maui Repeatedly
Hurricanes Lala, Lowell, and Nolo struck Hawaii in succession during the 2026 season, causing flooding, power outages, beach erosion, and widespread damage across the islands, including West Maui. The storms compounded ongoing hardships for the region still recovering from the 2023 Lahaina fires. Hurricane Lala caused flash flooding on East Maui, knocked out power for […]
Front Street Still Empty Three Years After Lahaina Fire, Recovery Stalls
More than three years after the 2023 Lahaina wildfire, Front Street’s commercial district remains vacant with no businesses returned. County focus on housing has delayed commercial recovery, though officials say business rebuilding is now a growing priority. Not a single business has returned to Front Street, once home to over 800 establishments generating $70M+ per […]
Olowalu Fire 95% Contained; West Maui Power Restored After Hurricane Nolo
Multiple sources report that a brush fire that broke out in Olowalu on September 26 amid Hurricane Nolo’s strong winds is now 95% contained, and the mandatory evacuation order for the area was lifted early Monday morning. Nearly 10,000 West Maui customers lost power over the weekend due to the storm, with outages stretching from […]
Four Lahaina Schools Stay Closed After Hurricane Nolo Due to Outages and Active Fire
Multiple sources report that most Maui and Hawaiʻi Island public schools reopened September 28 following precautionary closures ahead of Hurricane Nolo, but four Lahaina-area campuses remain closed. The ongoing Olowalu brush fire, widespread power outages in West Maui, and concerns about reliable water service are preventing those schools from resuming normal operations. The Hawaii State […]
Little Fire Ant Infestations Found in Ha’ikū and Kapalua; Maui Acreage Doubles
Multiple sources, including Maui County and Maui Now, report that two significant Little Fire Ant infestations have been confirmed in Ha’ikū and Kapalua, prompting an urgent call for community vigilance. The Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) is coordinating treatment and outreach efforts for both sites. Property owners are advised to survey their land and avoid […]
Hurricane Lala Leaves $10M in Maui Infrastructure Damage, Statewide Costs Hit $67M
Hurricane Lala caused an estimated $9.9 million in preliminary public infrastructure damage in Maui County, part of a statewide total exceeding $67 million. FEMA eligibility has not yet been determined as damage assessments remain ongoing. Maui County sustained approximately $9.9 million in preliminary public infrastructure damage from Hurricane Lala. Statewide public infrastructure damage is estimated […]
Delta Flight 394 Diverted from OGG to Honolulu After Fumes and Fuel Discharge
Multiple news outlets reported that a Delta Air Lines flight departing Kahului Airport on the evening of September 19 was diverted to Honolulu after fumes were detected shortly after takeoff. The incident prompted an emergency response in Honolulu, with several passengers and a flight attendant receiving medical attention. Delta has pledged refunds for affected passengers […]
Maui County Hosts Sept. 30 Workshop for Lahaina Commercial Rebuilders
The County of Maui Office of Recovery is holding its third Commercial Property Workshop on September 30 for Lahaina business and property owners navigating reconstruction. The event will cover permitting challenges and preview a new county “concierge” program to streamline rebuilding support. The free workshop runs 4–6 p.m. on Sept. 30 at Morgado Hall, Maui […]
Mala Ocean Tavern Draws Visitors Back to Lahaina’s Front Street
Mala Ocean Tavern, the first restaurant to reopen on Lahaina’s Front Street after the 2023 fire, is drawing strong visitor interest and recently won Best Maui Restaurant in Honolulu Magazine’s 2026 Hale Aina Awards. The oceanfront spot is helping anchor West Maui’s commercial recovery for tourists. Mala Ocean Tavern reopened February 1, 2024, becoming the […]
ʻĪao Theater to Close Months in 2027 for $3.8M County Roof Repair
Maui County has budgeted $3.8 million to restore the roof of the historic ʻĪao Theater, forcing Maui OnStage to go dark for several months sometime in 2027. The organization is planning alternate venues and holding a Sept. 26 fundraiser to offset lost revenue during the closure. Maui County will spend approximately $3.8 million repairing the […]