Island keiki under the age of 18 can receive free x-rays, dental exams, teeth cleaning, fillings and other dental services during the first “Sea of Smiles” Dental Day at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College campus from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 1.

Two men from Maui were sentenced in federal court for their racially motivated attack on a white man who was attempting to move into their neighborhood of Kahakuloa. Kaulana Alo-Kaonohi, 33, was sentenced to 6.5 years in prison; and Levi Aki Jr., 33, was sentenced to four years and two months in prison.

“We’re looking for equitable, humane care for residents and visitors to West Maui, where more than 50% of the county and state income on Maui is derived from taxes,” said Joseph Pluta, president of the West Maui Taxpayers Association. Maui Now’s Gary Kubota interviewed Pluta, who is working to ensure West Maui gets its fair share of improvements.

Media mogul and billionaire Oprah Winfrey recently purchased about 870 acres of Kula agricultural land for nearly $6.6 million in recent months, adding to hundreds of acres of real estate she already owns in Kula and in Hana. Winfrey bought four parcels total, according to sales deeds.

Kalaheo Oliveira, Daryl Kawaiaea, and Derek Kawaiaea were recognized for their bravery and heroic acts on Sept. 3, 2022, risking their lives to successfully rescue an elderly woman from her home in Hāna, which was heavily involved with fire.

The recent passing of Maui restaurateur, Mark Ellman, has left a void in the culinary community and a legacy of life and love that he poured into his creations.

Hawai’i State Legislature is considering measures SB 304 and HB 1162 to establish a new green fee. Money generated would then go toward conservation work across the state. Next for the proposal is a state Senate floor vote Tuesday. If it gets the green light, the plan moves to the state House.

An unexploded ordnance, which appeared to be a mortar, was discovered by employees at a Kīhei recycling company within their metals collection area Tuesday. The discovery prompted response from the Hawaiʻi Inter-Island Bomb Squad to the business on East Welakahao Road following notification on Wednesday.

After two failed attempts to free a grounded yacht from the rocky shoreline at Honolua Bay, salvage efforts have hit another snag–this time due to inclement weather and rough seas.

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua hosts the 31st annual Celebration of the Arts taking place at the resort from April 7-8, 2023.  Celebration of the Arts is Hawai‘i’s top arts and cultural festival celebrating authentic Hawaiian culture and traditions with more than 60 of the state’s top artisans, educators, cultural practitioners, speakers, and entertainers.  

Students will work together to create a short environmental film over the course of four days. Their staff will provide equipment, as well as assistance in planning, filming, and editing. No prior experience is needed, but students must be able to attend all four days to participate. Films will be shown at their student film festival in May and entered in film festivals.

For a list of upcoming events, concerts, shows and entertainment for March 2 – 8, find our comprehensive listing HERE.

There were 228,743 visitors to Maui in January 2023, up nearly 25% from the 183,278 visitors who arrived in January 2022, and down -2% from the 233,422 visitors who came in January 2019.

The rigging attached to a grounded luxury yacht off of Maui’s Honolua Bay, failed during a second salvage attempt Monday night, state officials said. The contractor headed back to Oʻahu last night to resupply with stronger rigging. Wednesday is the earliest salvage operations will resume, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Maui’s Kāʻanapali Beach was ranked the best beach in the US, and the No. 10 beach in the World by TripAdvisor. Also making the US ranking was Kauaʻi’s Hanalei Beach at No. 4, and Maui’s Hoʻokipa Beach Park at No. 5.

Another attempt will be made during high tide later today to pull the grounded luxury yacht, Nakoa, further from shore. The vessel has been grounded for a week just beyond the boundary of the Honolua-Mokulē’ia Marine Life Conservation District.  

Dippin’ Dots, known for its flash-frozen beaded ice cream, debuts the brand’s new location in Kahului, Maui. The 700-square-foot store located at 312 Alamaha Street in Kahului officially opened its doors in December 2022.

Salvage crews are waiting for favorable tide conditions to free the 120-ton luxury yacht, Nakoa, has been grounded at Honolua Bay on Maui since last week. Higher tides are forecast late this afternoon and early evening, but may not be enough to refloat the vessel out to open water, according to state officials.

Theo Morrison has been a staunch advocate for the restoration of historic buildings and the preservation of Maui history, through her work as executive director of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation for the past 15 years. Morrison, once a fiber artist creating baskets from a variety of natural materials, has helped to successfully weave the stories of Lahaina’s past into an amazing tour through history. Maui Now’s Gary Kubota conducts this People of Maui interview.

Defueling of the 120-ton luxury yacht, Nakoa, is now complete, and salvage of the vessel is expected to start on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023.