Maui Visitor Arrivals Up 11.5% as Kā’anapali Hotels Top 76% Occupancy
Multiple outlets reported this week on the continued rebound of Maui tourism alongside ongoing Lahaina recovery efforts. Visitor arrivals rose 11.5% in February 2026 year-over-year, and hotel occupancy in the Lahaina-Kā’anapali-Kapalua corridor climbed above 76%, signaling strengthening demand for the West Maui market. Maui visitor arrivals increased 11.5% in February 2026 compared to the same […]
East Maui Water Outage on Wailua Road Affects 31 Homes for ~4 Hours
A mainline break on Wailua Road in East Maui caused an emergency water service outage on July 30, starting at 8:30 a.m. and lasting approximately four hours. About 31 residences were affected. Emergency repairs on a mainline break triggered the outage beginning at 8:30 a.m. on July 30. Approximately 31 residences and 12 standpipes/hydrants lost […]
Lahaina Wildfire Theater Production ‘Lele Wale’ Returns for August Performances
A Hawaiian theater production honoring the 2023 Lahaina wildfire community will perform four shows at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa on August 7–8. The production shares stories of grief and resilience through the perspectives of survivors, first responders, and cultural practitioners. Four performances of ‘Lele Wale’ are scheduled for August 7–8 at The Westin […]
Maui Relief Program Restricts New Applicants to Families with Kids Starting Aug. 1
Hawaii’s Department of Human Services is narrowing Maui Relief Program eligibility to households with dependent children under 18 as of August 1, after state disaster relief funds are expected to run out. The program has provided financial assistance to wildfire-affected households since October 2023. Starting Aug. 1, only households with children under 18 may submit […]
Nonprofit Aids 185 Maui Fire Survivors with Disabilities Through CDP Grant
The Kelea Foundation used a CDP Hawaii Wildfires Recovery Fund grant to assist 185 Lahaina fire survivors with disabilities, helping them access medical equipment, services, and system navigation. The organization opened 231 support cases and delivered over 130 medical and accessibility items. Kelea Foundation, funded by a CDP Hawaii Wildfires Recovery Fund grant, has opened […]
Pukalani Resident Urges County to Fund Grazing as Fire Fuel Removal Tool
A Pukalani homeowner argues that current fire code compliance — mowing only — leaves cut grass on the ground as a lingering fire hazard. He calls on county officials to support grazing programs as a practical, permitted-free method of actual fuel removal. Current Maui fire code requires fuel breaks to be mowed, but cut grass […]
Three-Year Wildfire Memorial Event Planned for Lahaina on Aug. 8
Kuhinia Maui, a free community gathering marking three years since the 2023 Maui wildfires, will be held Aug. 8 on the grounds of Lahaina United Methodist Church. The daylong event includes music, food, wellness activities, and a 5:30 p.m. moment of silence honoring those lost. The event runs 9 a.m.–7 p.m. at 988 Front St. […]
Maui May See Import Bans on Plants and Mulch to Block Invasive Beetle
A state advisory committee has approved a proposed interim rule that would restrict imports of plants, mulch, soil, and coconuts to Maui and Lānaʻi to prevent the spread of the coconut rhinoceros beetle. The full Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity will now review the amended rule. Recent CRB detections near Kahului Airport and in Central […]
Kaanapali Dining Scene Highlighted as Hub of Maui Food Culture Recovery
A national food publication spotlights Kaanapali restaurants as cultural anchors three years after the 2023 Lahaina wildfires destroyed much of Front Street’s dining scene. Chefs along the Kaanapali strip are drawing visitors with Hawaiian and Pacific Rim cuisine rooted in local ingredients and tradition. Kaanapali Beach restaurants are receiving positive national media attention, which may […]
Sale Pepe Becomes First Restaurant to Reopen Inside Lahaina Burn Zone
Sale Pepe Pizzeria e Cucina has reopened in Lahaina, becoming the first restaurant destroyed in the 2023 fire zone to fully rebuild and resume operations in Lahainatown. The 2026 reopening follows years of debris removal, permitting, and interim operations at other Maui locations. Sale Pepe is reported to be the first restaurant destroyed within the […]