Tropical Storm Pena, High Surf Expected to Impact Maui This Weekend
Tropical Storm Pena is passing well south of the islands but will bring showers to windward Maui through Saturday. A second tropical system and a strong north-northwest swell may bring additional impacts Sunday into early next week. Tropical Storm Pena formed southeast of Hawaii Island and is expected to stay south of the islands, but […]
Maui September Arrivals Up 10.5%, but Shorter Trips Cut Total Spending
Maui saw 190,404 visitors in September 2026, a 10.5% year-over-year increase, but total spending dipped 1.5% as average trip length fell nearly 11%. Year-to-date visitor counts and spending remain ahead of 2025 levels. September visitor arrivals to Maui reached 190,404, up from 172,327 in September 2025, driven by stronger air capacity from the continental US. […]
Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms, and Flash Flooding Possible for Maui Next Week
A significant weather system is expected to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, and potential flash flooding to Maui and other Hawaiian islands Tuesday through Thursday of next week. Flood Watches are expected to be issued statewide as the event approaches. Maui County is under a First Alert Weather Day designation for Tuesday and Wednesday, with Thursday […]
Maui County Opens Expanded Emergency Operations Center in Wailuku
Maui Emergency Management Agency has relocated to a new 9,355-square-foot Emergency Operations Center in Wailuku, nearly quadrupling its capacity for emergency response coordination. The facility can accommodate up to 198 people and was funded through county bonds, general funds, and federal and state grants. The new EOC can host up to 198 people during emergency […]
Maui Unemployment Ticks Up to 3.1% in September, Still Below State Average
Maui County’s unemployment rate rose to 3.1% in September 2026, up from 2.9% in August and 2.4% a year ago. The Kahului-Wailuku metro area gained 1,000 jobs year-over-year, while leisure and hospitality posted the largest statewide monthly job gains. Maui island unemployment rose to 3.1% in September, up from 2.9% in August and 2.3% in […]
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 […]