Maui Business

Maui Mompreneur celebrates its 11th year supporting the local community of shoppers and vendors during a spring event at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College on April 26-28, 2024.  

This past Saturday, proprietors of five distinct food trucks commemorated the bittersweet grand opening of their new home, Maikaʻi Market, in Kahului.

Coldwell Banker Island Properties, one of Hawaii’s largest real estate brokerages, has announced the appointment of Chuck Garrett as the managing broker and general manager for its Oʻahu operations.

There were 181,301 visitors on Maui in February 2024, and visitor spending was $443.1 million, according to new data released by the state Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism. That’s down from the 220,741 visitors in February 2023 when visitor spending was $540.1 million; and also down from February 2019, when there were 221,603 visitors and visitor spending was $413.2 million.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources estimates it will cost approximately $30 million to repair and rebuild fire-ravaged Lahaina Small Boat Harbor. Meanwhile, a bill to provide state funding for maintenance dredging at small boat harbors statewide has advanced to the Finance Committee in the House of Representatives.

Federal approval was given this week to the state’s Digital Equity Plan, paving the way for federal funding to provide greater internet access statewide and addressing other diverse digital needs.

Krank Cycles will open a new shop next month in Lahaina, according to an announcement.

After receiving overwhelming community support and interest from potential buyers, Home Maid Bakery will remain open indefinitely and not close at the end of this month as previously announced.

According to Seth Colby, Department of Taxation research and planning officer, outmigration since 2020 has resulted in the loss of $185 million in general excise taxes and state income taxes, or approximately $61.8 million per year. To place that amount into context, one percentage point of the Council on Revenues forecast, which determines how much can be spent on the state budget, represents approximately $100 million.         

Maui Gold Pineapple has teamed up with Maui Farm Events to announce a spring workshop series in collaboration with Lei Maui. These unique events are designed to celebrate Hawaiian culture and creativity while providing guests with hands-on experiences led by instructor Caitlyn Madrid. The spring workshop series offers kamaʻāina  rates at 20% off. 

Central Pacific Bank announced a dominant performance at the US Small Business Administration’s Hawaiʻi District awards ceremony, securing the most recognitions of any bank in the state for 2023.

On Sunday, April 7, 2024, Hawaiʻi apparel company Reyn Spooner will donate 100% of the net proceeds from its iconic Lahaina Sailor collection to the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund.

Kaiser Permanente will close its mobile health vehicle site at the Royal Lahaina Resort today, and move all equipment to the new modular Lahaina clinic, which will open its doors to serve Kaiser Permanente members on Thursday, March 28.

The non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for Maui Island was 5.8% in February 2024, compared to 6.2% the previous month, and 2.9% at the same time in 2023. The data was included in a new report released today from the Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. 

Queen Kaʻahumanu Center celebrates the grand opening of UpperKutz Barber Shop this Saturday, March 23, starting at 10 a.m., featuring music, desserts, exclusive discounts and exciting raffles. The new barber shop is located on the second floor across from Fun Factory and next to Hot Topic.

In recognition of loyal Toyota Tacoma owners, Toyota Hawai‘i is hosting a Mahalo Giveaway for a chance to win exclusive prizes and a grand prize of free gas for one year. Each entry is a chance to win one of five prize packs valued at $300, which include original Sig Zane apparel, along with Toyota Hawai‘i and Tacoma merchandise. The grand prize will be awarded to the Tacoma owner with the highest mileage on their vehicle.

Hopaco Office Outlet will shut down on March 29, according to an announcement on Instagram. For many years, the store selling paper and office supplies has been located at 80 Hana Highway in Kahului.

The average price of gas in Kahului is $4.76, five cents lower than last week, three cents lower than last month, and 14 cents lower than a year ago.

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority has launched “Mākaukau Maui,” a campaign that aims to revitalize Maui’s economy in the aftermath of last year’s devastating wildfires. Apart from the fire-affected areas of Lahaina Town, the campaign signals that Maui is ready to welcome visitors back to the island.

The aftermath of the August wildfires continue to impact Maui County hotel performance, the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority reports, but the county still leads the state in revenue per available room in February because of comparatively higher average daily room rates.