Featured
New public Pre-K increases access on Kauaʻi
Ready Keiki launched in January 2023 with the goal of expanding preschool access statewide. Since then, the state has opened more than 80 classrooms through the Executive Office on Early Learning Public Pre-Kindergarten Program.
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice opens at Maui Ocean Center
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice has opened its newest location at Maui Ocean Center.
The shave ice stand — located near Maui Ocean Center’s entrance — is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Rare discovery: Nearly intact whale placenta retrieved by Pacific Whale Foundation
Pacific Whale Foundation reports it has successfully retrieved a rare, nearly intact whale placenta—the most complete specimen it has ever had the opportunity to study. This is the second full placenta that has been collected in Hawai’i, the most recent one was in 2020 by Pacific Whale Foundation.
FEMA extension uncertain; Mayor urges wildfire survivors to take alternate housing, if available
With the end of temporary federal emergency assistance now set for the end of next month, Mayor Richard Bissen advised Lahaina wildfire survivors Wednesday night to take a permanent housing alternative, if available.
Hale Makua announces new ‘CarePlex’ and workforce housing initiatives on Maui
Hale Makua Health Services, a Maui-born nonprofit serving the island for 80 years, today announced two landmark projects inspired by the community. The first project is an innovative health care complex in collaboration with Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association (HMSA) currently referred to as the “CarePlex.” The second project is a 100-unit workforce housing development.
Valley Isle Softball Little League celebrates first opening day
Valley Isle Softball Little League will open its inaugural season with an opening day ceremony at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Central Maui Regional Sports Complex.
Credit Unions of Maui raise $8,000 for Maui Food Bank
The Credit Unions of Maui recently raised $8,000 and collected more than 1,800 pounds of non-perishable food for the Maui Food Bank through their annual Food and Funds Drive.
Third earthquake swarm at the summit of Kīlauea reported since the end of episode 40
Most of the earthquakes are volcano-tectonic earthquakes that accompany crack opening due to magmatic pressure, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
Acoustic tracking of tiger sharks at Olowalu finds they mate during Maui’s whale season
The findings challenges the conventional understanding of tiger sharks as purely solitary animals, revealing a predictable seasonal convergence of mature males and females that coincides with the humpback whale calving season in Hawaiʻi.
Free classroom presentations, STEM modules available to Maui schools
Free educational resources focusing on stormwater awareness and STEM learning are now available to Maui County schools through the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation, Highways Maui District.
Kapoi identified as incoming Board Chair for Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui
Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui announced that Karey Kapoi returns as Board Chair this month, after previously serving in the role from 2018 to 2021.
Update/Canceled: Maui Flood Advisory until 8 a.m.
Radar shows that the heavy rain has diminished. Therefore, the Flood Advisory has been canceled. Flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat. Additional light showers are expected through the afternoon.
Prominent kalo farmer Bobby Pahia to run for Maui County Council seat in race that could impact power balance
Bobby Pahia hopes to fill the seat that will be vacated by Yuki Lei Sugimura as she launches a bid for mayor.
Haleakalā Visitor Center reports limited parking and traffic delays
The Haleakalā Visitor Center parking lot will have limited parking for an extended period due to a water infrastructure project. This project started this week and will last through the summer. Traffic delays are also expected during this project.
Housing dilemma: Maui Planning Commission strikes compromise between housing urgency and due diligence
The Maui Planning Commission unanimously recommended Tuesday that the Maui County Council defer action on the 1,608-unit Hoʻonani Village project near Kahului Airport until a draft environmental impact statement is published.
Seabury Hall Performing Arts presents ‘Art with Heart 2026: Love from Within’
Seabury Hall Performing Arts will present “Art with Heart 2026: Love from Within” on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at the ʻAʻaliʻikūhonua Creative Arts Center on the Seabury Hall campus.
January live music series begins this week at The Shops at Wailea
The Shops at Wailea has announced three upcoming concerts, featuring Nevah Too Late, Rama Camarillo and Jason Arcilla.
ʻThanks dawg’: How UH’s AI chatbots are transforming student support
The University of Hawaiʻi has doubled down on the use of AI chatbots across all 10 of its campuses to help support students’ well-being in and out of the classroom.
House Majority outlines top priorities for 2026 legislative session
The Hawaiʻi State Legislature will convene in regular session on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, marking the second year of the 33rd Legislature. As the legislative session begins, the House Majority Caucus has outlined its top priorities for the upcoming year.
DOH identifies separate travel-related cases of zika and dengue virus on Oʻahu
The Hawai‘i Department of Health has identified a travel-related case of Zika virus and a separate travel-related case of dengue virus. Although both are on Oʻahu, these are unrelated cases. The affected individuals were exposed to the respective virus while traveling in regions where Zika or dengue virus is known to circulate. The two cases are not connected to each other or to prior cases reported in Hawai‘i.
