Wailuku Film Festival Draws 5,300+ Visitors in Debut Run
The inaugural Wailuku Film Festival ran June 17–21, 2026, attracting more than 5,300 attendees, screening 100+ films, and generating over 12.5 million media impressions. Wailuku businesses reported increased foot traffic and sales throughout the event. The five-day festival drew over 5,300 total attendees, with multiple screenings at the historic ʻĪao Theater selling out. More than […]
DOH Issues Water Quality Advisory for Hanakaʻōʻō Beach in Lahaina
The Hawaii Department of Health has detected elevated fecal bacteria levels at Hanakaʻōʻō Beach in Lahaina, advising against swimming until levels drop below the safety threshold. The advisory remains in effect until retesting confirms contamination has subsided. Enterococci bacteria measured at 406 per 100mL — more than three times the 130 per 100mL safety threshold […]
Decomposing Whale Carcass Poses Health Risk Along Molokaʻi South Shore
A humpback whale that died July 10 off Molokaʻi’s south shore is creating a public health hazard as tides move the remains along coastal areas. DLNR is urging residents and visitors to stay out of the water in the affected zone. DLNR is advising people to avoid the water along Molokaʻi’s south shore due to […]
UH Study: Maui Reef Damage from Human Contaminants Cuts Coral Resilience
A University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa study found 25 agricultural, industrial, and pharmaceutical contaminants accumulating in Maui coral tissues, reducing their ability to withstand environmental stressors. Sites with the most human impact also showed the steepest coral cover losses after the 2016 bleaching event. Researchers tested 380 corals across 16 sites off west and south […]
Annual Kaanapali Canoe Festival Draws Visitors with Rare Cultural Experience
The Waa Kiakahi Canoe Festival, now in its 20th year, takes place each June in Kaanapali and gives visitors a chance to witness and participate in traditional Hawaiian sailing canoe racing. The event is sponsored by the Kaanapali Beach Resort Association as a way to offer guests authentic cultural programming. The Waa Kiakahi Canoe Festival […]
Selenium Found in Makawao Water Supply, Levels Far Below Safety Limits
Maui County detected trace amounts of selenium in the Makawao water system during routine testing, with confirmed levels of 3.7–4.9 micrograms per liter. The EPA’s maximum contaminant level is 50 micrograms per liter, meaning current levels pose no regulatory concern. Selenium was detected for the first time in the Makawao water system, confirmed by follow-up […]
South Kihei Road Closure Hits Month Four, Businesses Report 50% Sales Drop
A sinkhole-caused closure of South Kihei Road near Kamaʻole Beach Park II has entered its fourth month, with local businesses reporting sales down 30–50% and some shutting permanently. County repairs are slightly ahead of schedule, with reopening targeted for late August. South Kihei Road has been closed since March after Kona Low storms caused a […]
Free Manta Ray Documentary Screening at Four Seasons Wailea on July 24
The Surfrider Foundation’s Maui Chapter is hosting a free public screening of ‘The Last Dive,’ a manta ray conservation documentary, at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea on July 24. Doors open at 5 p.m. and a Q&A with the director and marine researchers follows the film. The free event takes place July 24 […]
Māliko Bay Boat Ramp Restoration Effort Launches on Maui’s North Shore
A new nonprofit, Nā Maka o Māliko, has taken on a 50-year lease to restore the deteriorated Māliko Bay boat ramp, which was further damaged by March 2026 Kona low storms. The County of Maui has issued a $15,000 cleanup grant, while the full restoration is estimated at $1 million. The Māliko Bay boat ramp, […]
Makawao Water Outage Hits Apau Place for ~3 Hours July 9
An emergency mainline break is causing a roughly 3-hour water service outage on Apau Place in Makawao starting at 8:45 a.m. on July 9. Approximately 15 residences are affected. A mainline break triggered emergency repairs, cutting water service to Apau Place in Makawao. The outage began at 8:45 a.m. on July 9 and is expected […]