Forbes Highlights Wailea’s Resorts and Activities as Visitor Draw
A Forbes travel feature spotlights Wailea’s luxury resorts, beaches, and cultural activities as key attractions for Maui visitors. The piece underscores ongoing demand for the south Maui resort corridor among high-end travelers. Wailea’s five crescent beaches, 270+ annual sunny days, and luxury resort strip continue to draw upscale visitors to south Maui. Major properties highlighted […]
Kā’anapali Beach Restoration Plan Filed to Reverse Decades of Erosion
Multiple outlets reported that the Pilikahakai Foundation and Kāʻanapali Operations Association Inc. have filed a permit application with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to restore Kāʻanapali Beach, one of Maui’s most popular shorelines. The plan aims to reverse decades of erosion driven by rising sea levels and increased wave energy by returning […]
Kaanapali Beach Sand Restoration Plan Proposed to Reverse Decades of Erosion
Multiple sources report that the Pilikahakai Foundation and West Maui resort managers have unveiled a plan to restore Kaanapali Beach, one of Maui’s most iconic shorelines. The proposal aims to reverse significant erosion caused by rising sea levels and increased wave energy by redistributing offshore sand back onto the beach. The project would restore the […]
Travel & Leisure Co. Acquires Seven Maui Timeshare Resorts
Travel + Leisure Co. (formerly Wyndham Destinations) has acquired seven Maui timeshare resorts through its purchase of Yes& Vacations, expanding its Hawaii portfolio. No immediate changes to reservations or resort names have been announced. All seven Maui properties came from a single deal — the acquisition of Yes& Vacations. The company’s primary interest was the […]
Maui Visitor Growth Forecast at 7.5% as Hotels Report Rising Occupancy
Multiple outlets are reporting on new economic data showing Maui’s tourism sector is gaining momentum heading into 2026. UHERO forecasts project a 7.5% growth rate in Maui’s average daily visitor count for the year, outpacing the rest of the state, while early 2026 hotel occupancy approached 70% as travel demand continues to rebound post-wildfire. UHERO […]
Maui Council Approves New Hotel Zoning Districts for Grandfathered Vacation Rentals
The Maui County Council voted 7-2 to pass Bill 88, creating two new hotel zoning districts (H-3 and H-4) that give roughly 4,500 grandfathered vacation rentals on the Minatoya List a potential path to rezone and continue operating. The bill establishes the zoning framework only — individual properties must still apply for rezoning separately. Bill […]
Maui Hotel Rates Drop 27% as Competition Intensifies for Vacation Market
Hotel rates in Lahaina, Maui have fallen 27% year-over-year, marking the largest decline in the US according to new booking data. The drop reflects broader travel industry price volatility as travelers become more budget-conscious. Lahaina hotel rates experienced the steepest decline in the US at 27% compared to last year. Travelers are increasingly using budget […]
Boomers Choose Hawaii as Top Travel Destination, Survey Shows
A YouGov survey found that 52% of baby boomers rated Hawaii as their top travel destination, with this demographic averaging three trips per year and spending over $6,000 per getaway. Baby boomers spend more than $6,000 per trip and take at least three vacations annually according to PhocusWright data. Hawaii ranked highest among boomers at […]
Maui Chefs Compete at AgFest Culinary Event Featuring Local Ingredients
The Grand Taste competition at Maui AgFest featured 12 local chefs creating dishes with Maui-grown ingredients, drawing a sold-out crowd and highlighting the island’s farm-to-table dining scene. Twelve chefs from Maui restaurants competed in four categories using local ingredients as the star of their dishes. Hua Momona Farms’ Chef Zach Laidlaw won both Best Vegetarian […]
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 […]