West Maui Tourism Rebounds: Occupancy Tops 76% as Recovery Continues
Visitor arrivals to Maui rose 11.5% in February 2026 year-over-year, with hotel occupancy in the Lahaina-Kāʻanapali-Kapalua corridor climbing above 76%. Lahaina’s commercial core remains largely closed, though infrastructure restoration and a planned interim vendor marketplace signal ongoing progress. Maui visitor arrivals increased 11.5% in February 2026 compared to the prior year, indicating strengthening tourism demand. […]
Maui Council Advances Transparency Bill, Gets TAT Collection System Update
A Maui County Council committee unanimously approved a bill requiring the county to disclose funding restrictions when repurposing county-owned land, while also receiving an update on a planned overhaul of the transient accommodations tax collection system. Bill 81-2025 passed its first reading 9-0, requiring the county to disclose any funding source restrictions when proposing a […]
FEMA Doubles Rent for 600 Maui Fire Survivors Still in Temporary Housing
Multiple sources report that FEMA is raising rents for approximately 600 Maui wildfire survivors still living in federally subsidized temporary housing, with some residents seeing their monthly payments double starting September 1. The increases are part of FEMA’s policy to bring payments to 50% of Fair Market Rent for Maui County and mark the second […]
Hawaii Supreme Court: Maui Must Retain Coastal Permit Oversight, Can’t Delegate to Developers
Multiple sources report that the Hawaii Supreme Court unanimously ruled this week that the Maui County Planning Commission cannot allow property owners or developers to self-determine whether their coastal projects require a permit. The court affirmed a lower court ruling striking down key portions of the commission’s 2024 amended rules for the Special Management Area, […]
Maui Now Allows Up to Two ADUs Per Residential Lot Countywide
Effective July 8, Maui County now permits up to two accessory dwelling units on qualifying residentially zoned properties, in addition to a primary residence. The new ordinance explicitly prohibits these units from being used as vacation rentals, short-term rentals, or B&Bs. Property owners in residential and rural zones may now build up to two ʻohana […]
Mayor Bissen Addresses STR Legislation, Storm Damage on Molokai Visit
Mayor Richard Bissen visited Molokai on June 29-30 for a town hall and county department meetings ahead of the August election. Residents raised questions about new short-term rental legislation, which Bissen said will be phased in gradually with minimal impact on local jobs. About 25 residents attended Bissen’s town hall on Molokai, with many questions […]
Maui Council Creates Hotel Zoning Path to Dodge STR Ban for ~4,500 Condos
Maui County Council passed Bill 88, creating two new hotel zoning classifications that could allow certain condos facing a short-term rental ban to continue operating as vacation rentals. Any rezoning still requires planning commission review and a Council vote. The Council voted 7-2 on June 19 to create new hotel zoning categories that up to […]
Castle Resorts Takes Over Management of Lahaina Shores Beach Resort
Castle Resorts & Hotels has assumed management of Lahaina Shores Beach Resort on Front Street, taking over daily operations, housekeeping, and reservations for the oceanfront condominium property. The company plans to expand the rental pool by bringing more individually owned units under its management umbrella. Castle Resorts & Hotels now manages day-to-day operations, housekeeping, maintenance, […]
Maui Mayor Race Features Debate Over Short-Term Rental Housing Policy
The 2026 Maui mayoral election includes incumbent Richard Bissen and County Council member Yuki Lei Sugimura, with short-term rental conversion to affordable housing emerging as a key campaign issue. Incumbent Mayor Richard Bissen faces County Council member Yuki Lei Sugimura and other candidates in the mayoral race. Short-term rental conversion to address affordable housing shortages […]
FEMA Updates Housing Rules, 569 Rebuild Permits Issued for Fire Survivors
FEMA released new guidance on temporary housing payments and maintenance requirements for wildfire survivors, while 569 rebuild permits have been issued with 310 homes currently under construction. A Housing & Resource Fair will be held June 6 at Royal Lahaina Resort to connect survivors with housing programs and rental listings. FEMA temporary housing residents must […]