HTA Releases Maui Tourism Management Plan for 2026–2028
Hawaii Tourism Authority has published its Maui Destination Management Action Plan for 2026–2028, a community-informed framework aimed at reducing pressure on high-traffic sites, improving visitor experience, and balancing tourism with residents’ quality of life. Preliminary 2025 data shows visitor spending on Maui reached $5.97 billion, up 12.7% from 2024. Maui visitor spending hit a preliminary […]
SBA Disaster Loans Now Available for Maui Nonprofits Hit by Hurricane Lowell
Following a federal major disaster declaration for Hurricane Lowell, the SBA is offering low-interest disaster loans up to $2 million to eligible nonprofits in Maui and Kauaʻi counties. The declaration also unlocks federal public assistance for government agencies to cover cleanup and repair costs for public infrastructure. Maui County nonprofits affected by Hurricane Lowell can […]
Hawaii Supreme Court Clears Path for $4B Maui Fire Settlement Payments
The Hawaii Supreme Court unanimously upheld attorney fee caps on the $4 billion Lahaina wildfire settlement, allowing compensation payments to begin flowing to approximately 21,750 victims. The ruling preserves more of the fund for claimants by limiting lawyer payouts to roughly 5% of the total settlement. The Hawaii Supreme Court rejected an appeal challenging attorney […]
Lahaina’s Annual Community Coastal Cleanup Set for Saturday, Oct. 10
Multiple sources report that the 22nd Annual Lāhainā Town Cleanup has been rescheduled to Saturday, October 10, from 8 a.m. to noon, after Hurricane Nolo forced postponement of the original September 26 date. The free event welcomes residents, visitors, and volunteers to clean beaches, parks, harbors, and neighborhoods across more than seven square miles of […]
Tourist Enters Closed Waiʻānapanapa During Tropical Storm Nolo, Sparks Backlash
A visitor filmed herself bypassing closure signs at Waiʻānapanapa State Park during Tropical Storm Nolo in late September 2026, drawing public anger and raising questions about enforcement. The park was shut down along with other Maui state parks due to flash flooding, dangerous surf, and falling debris. Waiʻānapanapa State Park was closed as part of […]
State Utility Commission Plans Maui Meetings on Storm Outages — Dates TBD
The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission is holding statewide public meetings to review Hawaiian Electric’s recent storm-related outages, but no Maui County dates have been set yet. Maui residents can submit written comments now while they wait for local meeting details. The PUC is holding public meetings on HECO storm outages statewide, but Maui, Molokaʻi, and […]
Upcountry Maui Forest Reserves, Polipoli Still Closed After Hurricane Nolo
Several Maui state forest reserves and Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area remain closed following Hurricane Nolo, as the DLNR assesses and repairs storm damage. Guests with camping reservations in closed areas will receive automatic refunds. Makawao, Kula, and Waihou Spring Forest Reserves are closed pending storm damage repairs. Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area is closed […]
Maui Golf Course Weathers Two Hurricanes and Flooding in 2026
The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course has faced a difficult 2026, closing for 13 days after March flooding and sustaining repeated damage from two hurricanes. Despite ongoing recovery costs, the course has remained operational through extensive maintenance efforts. March rains dumped over 22 inches on the course, toppling 12 trees and forcing a 13-day […]
Maui County Launches Housing Navigator Program for Fire Survivors
Maui County launched its Housing Navigator Program on October 1, taking over disaster case management services from the State for households displaced by the 2023 wildfires. Contractor BDO, Maui Economic Opportunity, and Hawaiian Council will jointly administer the program, with all current participants to be contacted by October 23. Case management for wildfire-displaced households transitions […]
Hurricane Nolo Tracking Away from Maui; Tropical Storm Watch Lifted
The Tropical Storm Watch for Maui has been canceled as Hurricane Nolo shifts westward and is expected to remain well south of the main Hawaiian Islands. Gusty winds, heavy rain, and dangerous surf conditions still pose risks through the weekend. The Tropical Storm Watch for Maui has been canceled as Nolo’s track keeps its center […]