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Maui High teacher Janyce Omura nominated for National History Day’s top honor
Two Hawaiʻi educators — including Maui High School teacher Janyce Omura — are among 78 nominees nationwide for the 2026 National History Day Teacher of the Year Award.
Lahaina Third Saturdays return this Saturday, May 16
The Maui Economic Recovery Commission (Maui ERC) – Healing Journey Team is honored to announce the return of Pa‘ūpili 3rd Saturdays, a monthly community healing gathering in Lahaina Town. The next event will take place Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lahaina United Methodist Church.
State targets Japan tourism gap as Maui seeks big-spending visitors
Japanese visitors have been drawn more to Waikīkī than to Maui’s resorts, and a new state report calls for changing that by rebuilding and diversifying Japanese visitor demand.
State championship to return to Hoʻokipa in 2031; inaugural location called world-class ‘surf stadium’
The County of Maui’s Hoʻokipa Beach Park lived up to its billing as a world-class surfing venue with solid waves both days, being labeled by several spectators and officials as the perfect “surf stadium” for the historic Hawaiʻi High School Athletic Association’s inaugural state surfing championships on May 1 and 2, 2026. HHSAA Executive Director Chris Chun said the event will return to Hoʻokipa in 2031 as part of a five-year rotation.
New 24-passenger MEO bus traveling Molokaʻi roads
A new 24-passenger Maui Economic Opportunity bus with two-wheelchair capacity is in service on Molokaʻi, following a blessing last month.
Hawaiian Electric seeking renewable energy proposals for Lāna‘i
Hawaiian Electric is beginning the process to seek proposals of a large-scale renewable energy project for the island of Lāna‘i to reduce the use of imported fossil fuels, cut carbon emissions and stabilize rates. The company is hosting a community meeting to discuss these procurement efforts and collect community feedback on Tuesday, June 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Lāna‘i Filipino Clubhouse, 450 Jacaranda Street, Lāna‘i City.
Key Maui Council incumbents officially commit to race for re-election
With three weeks left before the June 2 candidate filing deadline, the Maui County candidate line-ups are taking shape. Two incumbents — West Maui Council Member Tamara Paltin and East Maui Council Member Shane Sinenci — have officially committed to campaigns for re-election while others haven’t jumped in officially, yet. Five council members — Kauanoe […]
Pacific Whale Foundation reaches thousands through Keiki Whale Watch program
Pacific Whale Foundation has served 2,484 students since January through its Keiki Whale Watch program across Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi.
Closure to begin half-hour later for section of South Kīhei Road undergoing storm repair
Starting today, Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the closure of South Kīhei Road between Ohukai Road and Kūlanihākoʻi Street will begin a half-hour later at 7:30 a.m. to better accommodate morning traffic, according to the County of Maui Department of Public Works.
Spectrum awards grant to Molokaʻi Homestead Farmers Alliance
Spectrum announced a donation of $6,000 to Molokaʻi Homestead Farmers Alliance through the company’s national community philanthropic program, Spectrum Employee Community Grants.
Search suspended for snorkeler reported missing off Kāʻanapali, Maui
The search for a missing snorkeler off of Kāʻanapali ended at nightfall on Monday after three days. The missing man, John Weems, 75, of North Carolina was reported missing late Friday afternoon, when he failed to return from snorkeling off Kāʻanapali Beach.
County grants available for Hāna, Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi student and youth travel programs
Grant funding opportunities to support student and youth travel programs for Hāna, Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi are now available, according to the County of Maui Department of Economic Development. Applications open today, May 11, and must be submitted by 5 p.m. June 15, 2026.
‘Not Pau Yet’: Bissen files for mayoral re-election, saying steady leadership is crucial
Surrounded by community supporters, labor leaders and his grandsons, Mayor Richard Bissen officially filed nomination papers Monday morning to seek re-election as mayor of Maui County.
Blessing marks start of Wahiawā Dam Rehabilitation Project
The project will address critical safety concerns by bringing the dam and spillway into compliance with all relevant safety requirements. Rehabilitation work includes improvements to the dam embankment and modifications to the spillway to increase discharge capacity.
DOH warns public of dangerous emerging opioid-like product known as ‘7-OH’
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health is warning residents about the growing availability of the substance 7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly known as “7-OH,” a potent opioid-like substance.
Dang Dang Noodles opens at Nāpili Plaza, bringing freshly crafted noodles and Asian Fusion Flavors to West Maui
Dang Dang Noodles has opened at Nāpili Plaza, adding a new locally owned dining concept to the shopping center’s growing mix of food and beverage offerings in West Maui. The announcement was made by Alexander & Baldwin.
OHA Disaster Assistance Program to provide up to $15,000 for Native Hawaiian families impacted by 2026 March flooding
Native Hawaiian families impacted by the March 2026 Kona Low storms and flooding will soon have access to direct financial assistance through a new disaster relief program launched by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and administered by the Hawaiian Council.
Legislature passes measure to combat fraud, cryptocurrency scams
The Hawaiʻi State Legislature has passed House Bill 1642 CD1, marking a significant step forward in protecting local residents from financial fraud schemes that are becoming increasingly tied to cryptocurrency kiosks and digital asset scams.
Fuzz Box Productions announces Fuzz Flix Fringe Fest
Fuzz Box Productions in association with the Wailuku Film Festival announces the Fuzz Flix Fringe Fest (4F for shorts). An off-the-wall underground shorts film festival that will celebrate the bizarre, the bold and the beautifully unhinged. Neatly tucked into the inaugural Wailuku Film Festival, 4F, will be a late-night circus of pink gorillas and short films.
47th Maui Charity Walk raises over $1 million for the 10th consecutive year
Preliminary results from this year’s Charity Walk show an impressive total of $1.62 million raised in Maui County to directly benefit more than 74 Maui County nonprofit organizations. This “day-of” total broke last year’s record, however, funding is still being accepted until May 31.
