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 […]
Maui AgFest Cooking Competition Features 12 Local Chefs on May 30
The Grand Taste competition at Maui AgFest will showcase 12 chefs creating dishes with local ingredients on May 30. The event highlights Maui’s culinary scene and agricultural partnerships that support the island’s restaurant industry. Twelve Maui chefs will compete in four categories using locally-grown produce and island-sourced meat and fish. The event strengthens relationships between […]
Annual Agriculture Festival Draws 7,500+ Visitors to Wailuku May 30
The 17th annual Maui AgFest & 4-H Livestock Fair takes place May 30 at War Memorial Special Events Field in Wailuku from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Last year’s event attracted over 7,500 visitors with sold-out features. Event runs 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at War Memorial Special Events Field in Wailuku. Last year drew […]
Two Key Restaurants Resume Operations in Wailea and Lahaina
Kō restaurant has reopened at Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea with a new executive chef, while Sale Pepe becomes the first restaurant to rebuild and reopen in Lahaina after the 2023 fire. Kō restaurant at Fairmont Kea Lani has reopened under executive chef Matt Dela Cruz with a focus on elevated Hawaiian comfort food. Sale […]
Dutch Hotel Renovation Project Targets 2028 Completion
Hotel van Oranje in the Netherlands is undergoing major redevelopment work that will add floors, rooms, and amenities, with reopening planned for autumn 2028. The five-star hotel renovation will expand the property to 244 rooms and suites across 23,000 square meters. New amenities include restaurants, wellness facilities, meeting spaces, and a glass dome dining area […]