Maui Visitor Growth Forecast at 7.5% as Hotel Occupancy Nears 70%

Poolside open-air bar with white columns, a curved wooden counter, and warm lights at sunset.

Multiple outlets are reporting that Maui’s tourism recovery is gaining momentum heading into 2026, with new economic data pointing to strong visitor growth outpacing the rest of the state. UHERO forecasts and county visitor projections paint an optimistic picture for the island’s hospitality sector, with resorts like the Fairmont Kea Lani investing heavily in the […]

Wailuku First Friday Returns July 3 with Live Music and Local Vendors

Wailuku Town, Maui — Wailuku First Friday Returns July 3 with Live Music and Local Vendors | Maui Tom's News

Wailuku First Friday hosts its July event on the evening of July 3, 2026, featuring live bands, a DJ, and local vendors along Market Street. The free community event draws both residents and visitors to historic Wailuku Town. The event runs 6–9 p.m. on July 3 along Market Street in Wailuku, with two live bands […]

Molokai’s Only Hotel Highlights Island’s Intentional Anti-Tourism Stance

Maui Eldorado Kaanapali Maui — Molokai's Only Hotel Highlights Island's Intentional Anti-Tourism Stance | Maui Tom's News

A traveler reviews Hotel Molokai, the island’s sole traditional hotel at $260/night, highlighting how local community resistance has kept large-scale tourism development minimal on Molokai for decades. Molokai has only one traditional hotel — Hotel Molokai — after other resorts closed by the 2000s due to local opposition. The island’s community has long resisted mass […]

Napili Bay Highlighted as a Must-Visit Alternative to Ka’anapali

Oneloa Bay Maui, near Kapalua James Brennan Molokai Hawaii — Napili Bay Highlighted as a Must-Visit Alternative to Ka'anapali | Maui Tom's News

A travel blog is directing visitors toward Napili Bay as a quieter, less-crowded alternative to Ka’anapali Beach. The area features calm snorkeling waters, beachfront dining, and easy access to Kapalua Bay. Napili Bay is being promoted to tourists as a hidden-gem beach destination on West Maui’s northwest coast. The bay’s calm, protected waters and sea […]

Maui Tropical Plantation Highlighted as Visitor Stop in Central Valley

Maui Tropical Plantation Waikapu — Maui Tropical Plantation Highlighted as Visitor Stop in Central Valley | Maui Tom's News

A travel blog reviewed Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu, noting its gift shop, restaurant, and convenient location along the Honoapiilani Highway as draws for visitors exploring the west side corridor. Maui Tropical Plantation is located in Waikapu along Honoapiilani Highway, the main route between Kahului and the west side of Maui. The on-site gift shop […]

Nā Kamehameha Pāʻū Parade Returns to Central Maui with Large Turnout

Pe'ahi Challenge big wave surfing Maui — Nā Kamehameha Pāʻū Parade Returns to Central Maui with Large Turnout | Maui Tom's News

The annual Nā Kamehameha Commemorative Pāʻū Parade took place June 20, 2026, along Kaʻahumanu Avenue in Kahului, drawing large crowds and continuing with festivities at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center. The event celebrates Hawaiian culture and heritage in honor of King Kamehameha. The parade route ran along Kaʻahumanu Avenue from Mahalani Street to Kahului Beach Road on […]

Hawaii Named Top US Travel Destination for Baby Boomers in 2026 Survey

Beach vacation panoramic — Hawaii Named Top US Travel Destination for Baby Boomers in 2026 Survey | Maui Tom's News

A YouGov survey found 52% of baby boomers rate Hawaii as their top US travel destination, with this demographic spending over $6,000 per trip and taking at least three vacations annually. Baby boomers average three trips per year and spend more than $6,000 per getaway according to PhocusWright research. 52% of boomers gave Hawaii the […]

Maui Tour Company Adds New 40-Passenger Whale Watching Vessel

Humpback whale tail ocean — Maui Tour Company Adds New 40-Passenger Whale Watching Vessel | Maui Tom's News

Makai Adventures has taken delivery of a new 41-foot rigid inflatable boat designed for whale watching tours, capable of carrying 40 passengers with enhanced stability and comfort features. The custom-built vessel can transport up to 40 passengers plus two crew members. Twin 450hp Yamaha outboards provide high speeds for faster transit to whale watching areas. […]

Kamehameha Day Parade to Close Ka’ahumanu Avenue June 20

Samanea saman (Monkeypod) Aerial view Queen Kaahumanu Center Mall at Kahului, Maui, Hawaii. October 25, 2014 #141025-2599 Image Use Policy Also known as Albizia saman. — Kamehameha Day Parade to Close Ka'ahumanu Avenue June 20 | Maui Tom's News

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 […]

New Marine Education Program Targets Tourism Staff After Monk Seal Incident

Hawaiian monk seal resting beach — New Marine Education Program Targets Tourism Staff After Monk Seal Incident | Maui Tom's News

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 […]