The Stories

New release ‘Big Hearts on a Little Island’ proceeds to help rebuild of Lahaina Public Library

A newly released 250-page coffee table book, “Big Hearts on a Little Island,” tells the story of how the people of Maui stepped up to help after the devastating 2023 wildfires, from author and Maui resident Victoria Moore.

New Kahului homes blessed and move-in ready for two healthcare professionals impacted by the Lahaina fires

The first two completed homes under the Housing for Healthcare initiative were blessed in a private ceremony held with the two new tenants and their families, both Maui healthcare professionals who lost their homes and belongings in the devastating Lahaina fires last year. The families moved into their homes this month.

Mokuʻula Film Premiere at The Sphere in Māʻalaea

Mokuʻula, once the spiritual and political center of the Hawaiian Kingdom, is the subject of a groundbreaking 360-degree animated film that will have its first public showing on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024 at 6 p.m. at The Sphere at the Maui Ocean Center. The Lahaina Restoration Foundation presents the public premiere of E Hoʻi Ka Nani I Mokuʻula — Let the Glory Return to Mokuʻula, an evocative animated film that weaves together the powerful stories of the island’s royal past.

Luis Fuentes honored with Hero Award by the nonprofit organization for selfless acts during 2023 Lahaina wildfire

Recognizing Fuentes was one of the more touching moments of the evening with the organization honoring the Humanitarian of the Year, Community Business of the Year and one of its own as the Executive Director of the Year.

Maui wildfires one year later: recovery efforts through Native Hawaiian healing practices

In the wake of the devastating wildfires on Maui last August, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Hawaiʻi has been involved in several community efforts to help those impacted by the tragedy. One of these efforts is a grassroots collective called Laukanaka to provide and deploy traditional Native Hawaiian healing practices to those impacted by the Maui wildfires.

How the wildfire flashed over the iconic Lahaina Banyan Tree, leaving it battered but not beaten

Like a flame-thrower fueled by hurricane-force winds, the Lahaina wildfire raced mauka to makai, reducing whatever stood in its path to smoke, ash, concrete blocks and twisted metal. Then it reached the town’s iconic Banyan Tree.

Koholā Brewery poised for another comeback after Lahaina wildfire

Koholā Brewery is set for a grand opening July 21 as a taproom and restaurant at the Wailea Village shopping center. This marks the second comeback for the independent craft beer brewery founded in Lahaina in 2014.

‘Kīpuni Aloha No Maui’ Live Statewide Broadcast Wins National Award

Akakū Maui Community Media, along with sister access stations ‘Ōlelo on Oahu, Hō’ike on Kaua’i and Nā Leo on Hawai’i Island, won two Hometown Media Awards at the Alliance for Community Media national conference in San Jose, California in late June, for a collaborative effort to broadcast a statewide vigil following the Aug. 8. 2023 Maui wildfires.

First home rebuild in Lahaina impact zone gets walls and foundation

Walls are now in place for the first home to be rebuilt in the Lahaina impact zone since the deadly August 2023 wildfires. It’s a visual reminder of the hope that exists among those wanting to return to their beloved neighborhoods, and an encouraging sign of progress as displaced residents work their way through the permitting and construction process.

Lori Abreu reads ‘Moʻo and Koholā’ to MEO Head Start children

Author and early childhood specialist Lori Abreu read her children’s book “Moʻo and Koholā” to the preschoolers at the Maui Economic Opportunity Head Start Makawao center on Thursday.

Cool Cat Cafe announces grand reopening in South Maui, June 15

Cool Cat Cafe, a beloved local restaurant that was destroyed in the Lahaina fires, announced its grand reopening at a new location in South Maui. The grand reopening will take place on June 15, 2024, at Kukui Mall, located at 1819 S. Kīhei Road. The restaurant will be open seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Maui Humane Society pays tribute to Maui firefighters and rescuers in 2025 calendar

The Maui Humane Society’s 2025 calendar will pay tribute to the courageous Maui firefighters and rescuers who bravely faced the devastating Lahaina wildfires on Aug. 8, 2023.

Maui nonprofit executive director receives Humanitarian of the Year award

Jennifer Karaca, the founding executive director of Maui nonprofit Common Ground Collective, has been honored with the District 50 Hawai’i Lions’ Humanitarian of the Year.

Maui College scholar chosen to present post-wildfire biomedical study at national conference in Washington D.C.

Deardorff will present “Microbes as Human Indicators of Human Health Risk after the Lahaina Wildfires” to an audience of biomedical professionals at the 2024 National IDeA Symposium of Biomedical Research Excellence (NISBRE) Conference in June.

Lahaina Strong begins de-occupation of ‘Fishing for Dignified Housing’ site in Kāʻanapali

After 175 days, the Lahaina Strong group announced its end to the occupation of Kāʻanapali Beach as part of its Fishing for Dignified Housing initiative.

Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club launches garden grow hub in support of Lahaina reforestation

Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club celebrated the opening of the Manaʻolana Garden with a blessing ceremony on Monday, as part of the recovery and reforestation efforts in Lahaina. The grow hub, created in partnership with Treecovery, hosts 125 locally sourced fruit tree saplings that will be replanted in West Maui. 

Lahaina Banyan Tree continues to show signs of recovery eight months after the Maui fires

The 150-year-old Lahaina banyan tree continues to show signs of recovery, eight months after the Maui fires. In video provided by the Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Duane Sparkman of the Lahaina Treecovery project provides an update, describes some of the challenges the iconic tree still faces, and talks about what lies ahead.  

Maui hālau share ancient hula on kahiko night of 2024 Merrie Monarch, paying tribute to Lahaina, Wailuku, Waikapū and ʻĪao

Kahiko night at the Merrie Monarch Festival featured hula in the ancient style with 29 groups performing Friday night in the annual competition in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. The festival continues tonight with ʻauana or modern hula, followed by results from the 61st event.

Tonata Lolesio, Sacred Hearts principal receives coveted 2024 National Catholic Education Association award

Sacred Hearts School announced Principal Tonata Lolesio is the recipient of the coveted 2024 National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) Lead, Learn and Proclaim Award.

Food trucks affected in Lahaina wildfires resurface in Maikaʻi Market grand opening

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