Maui Food & Dining

There have been two incidents that have been reported since May 2025 where coconut rhinoceros beetles (CRB) were detected on Lānaʻi in plants transported from Oʻahu.

A new UHERO report finds signs of housing stability and rent relief, but major challenges remain around displacement, poverty and job loss.

Through the Lahaina Homeowner Recovery Program funded by the Maui Strong Fund of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF), 90 homeowners in Lahaina and Kula have been able to complete property surveys at no cost. By the end of this month, another 66 surveys will be completed. That means 156 homeowners can now apply for permits to begin their rebuilds—with funds still available for another 544 applicants. 

Hawaiian Electric’s efforts since the Aug. 8, 2023 wildfires on Maui are part of its $350 million, three-year Wildfire Safety Strategy that is projected to reduce fire risk by 68% to 72%.

In 2018, an invertebrate biologist discovered an unfamiliar black caterpillar feeding on a māmaki plant in Olowalu Valley. Experts confirmed the caterpillar was ramie moth, a species native to Southeast Asia that aggressively feeds on plants in the nettle family, like māmaki. The biologist’s sighting marked the first confirmation of ramie moth in Hawaiʻi and the US.

The Maui County Fair is back Oct. 2-5 at the War Memorial Complex after a six-year absence, but organizers are now faced with the challenge of fundraising an additional $500,000 for infrastructure beyond the $1.5 million already allocated by the Maui County Council.

The Maui County Council’s Water and Infrastructure Committee unanimously recommended approval Monday of a bill to establish paid parking zones at South Maui beach parks. The measure ensures local residents with a valid Hawaiʻi driver’s license get free parking and first dibs on spaces at popular South Maui beach parks.

An 18-year-old Maui man suffered fatal injuries in a fall during a hike near Mile 6 of the Hāna Highway on Sunday, police confirmed.

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation notifies highway users that paving on Crater Road (Route 378) is set to begin on Thursday, Aug. 7 following delays as the project was initially set to begin July 14.

The Friends of Haleakalā National Park is seeking National Park Service volunteers for a strenuous three-night service trip in Haleakalā Crater over Labor Day weekend: Saturday, Aug. 30 to Monday, Sept. 2, 2025.

American Savings Bank (ASB) is now accepting applications for its 2025 KeikiCo Business Plan Competition, a statewide challenge that invites Hawaiʻi public and charter school students in grades 3 through 12 to dream big, solve real-world problems and compete for up to $25,000 for their school – plus bonus cash for individual winners.

As the second anniversary approaches of the wildfires that destroyed much of Maui’s beloved Lahaina town, the Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi is calling for more action from state and county leaders to improve what it describes as a sluggish rebuilding process.

Wailea Beach Resort, Marriott Maui has appointed Amanda Lindquist as director of culinary experiences & liquid libations while Chef Charles Andres has returned as executive chef.

This pre-K expansion represents a major milestone in the state’s efforts to increase early learning opportunities in Hawaiʻi’s public charter schools.

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is inviting residents of Maui and Molokaʻi to participate in upcoming virtual meetings aimed at shaping island-wide tourism plans for the future.

A Maui County Council committee recommended approval Monday of a resolution expressing support for conveying public land in the vicinity of the Kahului Community Center and Kokua Pool for a 100-unit workforce rental housing project by Hale Makua Health Services in partnership with Alaka’i Development.

Scientists investigated the potential vast underground reservoir of fresh water beneath Hawaiʻi Island’s ocean floor, potentially revolutionizing the understanding of island hydrology and offering new fresh water sources.

Hauling in Kahului will take place between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 5. On Wednesday, Aug. 6 from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., modular homes will be delivered to Lahaina.

“The public information, or lack thereof, causes tremendous angst and panic, and we wanted to ensure that we improve in that area,” MEMA Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett said.

The Hapapa Watershed project was designed to revegetate an area in South Maui that had been denuded by feral axis deer.