Kamehameha Day Parade to Close Ka’ahumanu Avenue June 20
The annual Kamehameha Day parade and festival will take place June 20, 2026, closing Ka’ahumanu Avenue from 9:30-11:30 a.m. followed by festivities at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center until 5 p.m. Ka’ahumanu Avenue will be closed from Lunaliho Street to Kahului Beach Road from 9:30-11:30 a.m. for the parade. The parade begins at 9:45 a.m. featuring pāʻū […]
State Agency Plans Food Innovation Conference for Local Producers
DBEDT will host its annual Hawaii Made Conference on June 23 at Sheraton Waikiki, connecting local food producers with resources for product development and market access. The event focuses on the new Food and Product Innovation Network to support Hawaii’s agricultural businesses. The conference brings together farmers, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs for training on turning food […]
New Marine Education Program Targets Tourism Staff After Monk Seal Incident
Hawaii Marine Animal Response launched a training program for hospitality workers to educate visitors about protecting endangered marine life, following a recent incident where a tourist threw rocks at a monk seal on Maui. The Marine Stewards Program provides training materials and credentials for tourism industry staff to educate guests about marine wildlife protection. The […]
Maui Architect Runs for National AIA Leadership Position
David Sellers, co-founder of Hawai’i Off-Grid architecture firm on Maui, is running for 2027 president-elect of the American Institute of Architects national board. Sellers is principal architect of Hawai’i Off-Grid, a Maui-based architecture and engineering firm. He’s seeking the 2027 president-elect position for AIA, the world’s largest design organization with 101,000+ members. If elected, he […]
Major Construction Closes Main Access to Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach
Waianapanapa State Park’s main parking and access to the famous black sand beach is closed through early 2027 for construction, forcing visitors to use alternate routes and potentially face full park closures. The eastern day-use parking lot near Pailoa Beach closes June 6 for construction lasting through early 2027. Visitors must now park at the […]
Major Construction Project at Waianapanapa State Park to Begin in July
Multiple sources have reported that a significant facility improvements project at Waianapanapa State Park in Hana will begin construction in July. The project will impact parking, access, and camping arrangements at the popular tourist destination through early 2027. Construction begins July 6 and includes a new comfort station near the eastern parking area and resurfacing […]
Westin Maui Appoints New Group Sales Director After $160M Renovation
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa has hired Michael Piasecki as director of group sales following the completion of its $160 million transformation and launch of the luxury Hōkūpaʻa Tower. Piasecki brings over 10 years of Hawaii hospitality sales experience from OUTRIGGER Resorts and previous Marriott/Starwood properties. The appointment comes after the resort’s $160 million […]
Repeat Visitor Shares $13,320 Maui Vacation Breakdown, Cancels 2025 Trip
A long-time Hawaii visitor detailed spending $13,320 on lodging alone for a 20-night Maui and Big Island trip, citing escalating fees as reason for canceling future visits. Annual Hawaii visitor since 2012 spent $13,320 on lodging for 20 nights across Maui and Big Island properties. Costs included $11,800 base lodging plus $1,170 in beach club […]
KLM Suspends Uganda Flights Due to Ebola Outbreak in Neighboring Congo
Dutch airline KLM has suspended flights to Uganda’s Entebbe airport due to international travel restrictions related to the Ebola outbreak in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda’s tourism industry faces mounting pressure from reduced airline connectivity and traveler concerns despite limited cases within the country. KLM suspended Entebbe flights after Ebola-related travel restrictions made crew […]
Federal Plan Could End International Flights at Major US Airport Hubs
The Trump administration is considering suspending customs processing at airports in sanctuary cities, which could shut down international operations at major US aviation hubs. The proposal could affect 68 million passengers and $70 billion in economic activity annually. Plan would halt customs and immigration processing at airports in cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration […]