Tourism Authority’s Visitor Crisis Support Program to be Featured at Lahaina Meeting
The Maui Nui Visitor Aloha Society manager will present on their crisis support services for tourists at a May 19 Rotary Club meeting. The program operates under contract with Hawaii Tourism Authority to help visitors experiencing emergencies on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. Hawaii Tourism Authority contracts the Maui Nui Visitor Aloha Society to provide crisis […]
Economic Forecast Shows Tourism Slowdown and Rising Costs for Hawaii
A new University of Hawaii economic forecast warns that global conflicts, oil price increases, and recent storm damage are slowing Hawaii’s economy and reducing visitor arrivals. Tourism growth is expected to drop sharply in 2027 after modest gains this year. Visitor arrivals projected to grow only 2% in 2026 before declining sharply in 2027 due […]
Ritz-Carlton Kapalua Announces Celebrity Chef Events This Summer
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua will host exclusive dining events featuring Michelin-starred and celebrity chefs from June through August. The summer series includes four-course meals with wine pairings at the resort’s Banyan Tree restaurant. June 13 event features Michelin-starred chef Andrew Yeo presenting Chinese-Indian cuisine with Spence Vineyards wines. July 11 dinner showcases James Beard semi-finalist […]
New Premium Jeep Rental Service Launches on Maui for Adventure Tourism
BEXT Premium Jeep Rental has launched a new service offering high-end Jeep Wrangler and Wagoneer rentals with island-wide delivery for Maui visitors. The company provides mobile booking, full insurance, and travel accessories to support independent island exploration. New premium Jeep rental company targets growing tourism demand with 4×4 vehicles for adventure travelers. Service includes island-wide […]
Washington Tourist Faces Federal Charges for Throwing Rock at Maui Monk Seal
A Washington state tourist has been arrested on federal charges after allegedly throwing a coconut-sized rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal near Lahaina. Multiple news sources report that the incident was captured on video and has drawn widespread condemnation from officials and the public. Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, from Covington, Washington, faces federal charges […]
Tourist Rock-Throwing Incident in Mexico Echoes Recent Maui Seal Attack
Tourists throwing rocks at a crocodile in Tulum, Mexico caused an attack on an elderly visitor, similar to a recent incident where tourists threw rocks at a seal in Maui. An elderly tourist was bitten by a crocodile in Tulum after other visitors threw rocks at the animal to provoke a reaction for video. The […]
Maui County to Auction Tax-Delinquent Properties at Kihei Community Center
Maui County will auction properties that are three or more years delinquent on taxes at the Kihei Community Center. The properties have received final notice of sale. Tax-delinquent properties will be auctioned at Kihei Community Center at 303 E. Lipoa St. Properties included are at least three years behind on taxes and have received final […]
HTA Launches Maui-Focused Tourism Programs with $10K Awards for Local Groups
Multiple sources report that the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority has opened applications for its 2026 Community Tourism Collaboratives, exclusively targeting Maui-based organizations. The programs aim to support community-centered tourism while advancing the island’s recovery efforts. Applications are open until June 8, 2026 at noon HST for two cohort-based programs exclusively for Maui organizations Community Stewardship program […]
HTA Launches 2026 Grant Programs for Maui Tourism Businesses and Nonprofits
The Hawaii Tourism Authority is accepting applications through June 8 for two programs that provide $10,000 grants to Maui organizations developing community-centered tourism experiences and stewardship initiatives. Applications due June 8 for two four-month cohort programs running July-October 2026. Community Stewardship program targets Maui nonprofits incorporating visitors into conservation efforts through voluntourism or guided access. […]
Hawaii Magazine Reveals 2026 Top-Rated Hotels Across Maui and Big Island
Hawaii Magazine has published its 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards for Maui and Hawaii Island, highlighting the top-performing hotels and resorts as voted by travelers. The awards recognize excellence across multiple categories including luxury, value, family-friendly accommodations, and spa services. Grand Wailea Maui topped the luxury resort category on Maui, while Four Seasons Resort Hualalai led […]