Maui News & Breaking Local Updates
Welcome to your definitive source for Maui news. From real-time breaking alerts and weather updates to deep dives into local government and community events, Maui Now provides the most up-to-date, comprehensive coverage on the island. Driven by a deep commitment to independent, local journalism, our on-the-ground reporting team publishes fresh, critical updates throughout the day. Stay connected with the latest headlines, community stories, and essential information impacting Maui County below.
Post-disaster response underway on Kauaʻi following Hurricane Lowell
(Update: 10:25 a.m., Sept. 9, 2026) The following are updates regarding the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency's post-disaster response to Hurricane Lowell.
Bank of Hawai‘i to reopen its Līhu‘e, ‘Ele‘ele, and Wai‘anae branches following Hurricane Lowell
Bank of Hawai‘i will reopen its Līhu‘e and ‘Ele‘ele branches on Kaua‘i and its Wai‘anae branch on O‘ahu today, Wednesday, Sept. 9.
20,000-gallon wastewater spill at Waimea Wastewater Treatment Plant on Kauaʻi
The public is advised of an estimated 20,000-gallon wastewater spill that occurred between approximately 9:00 a.m. and 10:20 a.m. on Sept. 8, 2026, in the Waimea Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Hawaiian Electric to support recovery efforts on Kaua‘i
With most of the restoration work following Hurricanes Lowell and Lala completed on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island, Hawaiian Electric is shifting focus to assist with recovery efforts on Kauaʻi, which is served by a separate utility.
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Food Distribution Sites to open across Kauaʻi following Hurricane Lowell
Food Distribution Sites are being set up at locations across Kauaʻi over the next several days to help residents affected by Hurricane Lowell, which caused extended and widespread power outages.
Kauaʻi power assessment underway; HECO restores power to 1,000 Oʻahu customers overnight
Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative was able to restore 466 members in ‘Ele‘ele and Hanapēpē on Tuesday, while damage assessment crews conducted an initial sweep of transmission line inspections with the assistance of drone technology. On Oʻahu, 440 customers remained without…
Queen Kaʻahumanu Center announces “FANCON Maui’s Premier Gaming Fair,” Sept. 12
Queen Kaʻahumanu Center welcomes Maui’s gamers, fans, families, and curious newcomers to experience “FANCON Maui’s Premier Gaming Fair” and explore this new signature event debuting on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, from 2:00 to 8 p.m.
Transportation updates on infrastructure for highways, harbors and airports following Hurricane Lowell
The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation is reporting progress to restore transportation infrastructure following the impacts of Hurricane Lowell.
Engel & Völkers partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters Maui for food drive
Engel & Völkers Maui has partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui to launch this year’s “Keys to Community” initiative, a brokerage-wide effort to help address food insecurity among local families, including those in the Hale Makana neighborhood in…
Hawaiian Electric expects to restore most Oʻahu customers by tonight
Since this morning, Hawaiian Electric crews have restored power to approximately 13,100 Oʻahu customers following Hurricane Lowell's damaging tropical storm-force winds and heavy rainfall. As of 3 p.m., approximately 7,900 customers remain without power.
Hawaiian Telcom Unveils Future-Ready Business Fiber Platform Engineered for 10 Gig Connectivity
Hawaiian Telcom announced enhancements to its business fiber internet portfolio, including expanded symmetrical upload and download speeds across Fioptics Business Internet plans and the introduction of Fioptics Advanced WiFi for business customers. Together, these enhancements provide Hawaiʻi businesses with faster, more scalable connectivity backed…
Maui County temporary service sites to close as threats from Lowell diminish
The County of Maui will close two temporary service sites at 5 p.m., Sept. 8, 2026, in West Maui and in Central Maui after the National Weather Service (NWS) Flood Watch tied to Hurricane Lowell expired this afternoon, according to…
Applications open for the 2026–2027 Chrysanthemum Leadership Program
The Nisei Veterans Memorial Center is now accepting applications for the Chrysanthemum Leadership Program, a competitive, values‑based youth leadership initiative designed to empower Maui County high school students through cultural education, community involvement, and career exploration.
Jon Yokouchi Campaign for Maui County Council Upcountry Seat announces support from Cabiles and Guard
Friends of Jon Yokouchi announced today that Derrick Cabiles and JB Guard have joined Jon Yokouchi’s campaign for the Maui County Council Upcountry residency seat, lending their support as the campaign heads into the final months before the Nov. 3…
Nā Hoaloha ‘Ekolu celebrates 40 years and welcomes a new chapter of local leadership
Founded by Michael Moore, Robert Aguiar, and Tim Moore, parent company Nā Hoaloha ‘Ekolu has grown from the creation of Old Lāhainā Lūʻau 40 years ago into a family of businesses that has become an important part of Maui’s hospitality…
Kauaʻi closures continue; Oʻahu government offices reopen on Wednesday
In Kauaʻi County, state and county offices and the Kauaʻi Community College will remain closed through Friday, Sept. 11, as crews restore power, remove debris and address other storm impacts. The state Judiciary is assessing facilities and capacity in Kaua‘i…
Kauaʻi County public schools to remain closed to students through Friday following Hurricane Lowell
Hawaiʻi State Department of Education public schools in Kauaʻi County will remain closed to students through Friday, Sept. 11, as schools assess storm impacts and prepare campuses to resume operations following Hurricane Lowell.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui names Dr. Kari Luna Nunokawa as Chief Executive Officer
Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui (BGCM) today announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously selected Dr. Kari Luna Nunokawa as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective Sept. 15. The appointment follows a several-month search conducted with support…
Līhuʻe Airport reopens following Hurricane Lowell
(Update: 11:20 a.m., 9.8.26) The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation has reopened Līhuʻe Airport (LIH). Travelers should check with their airline on the status of their flight prior to heading to the airport. Travelers should anticipate delays and allow extra time to…
Flash flooding threat remains in the Hawaiian Islands due to Lowell; Kauaʻi damage assessments underway
All state and County of Kaua‘i offices, along with Kauaʻi Community College, will remain closed through Friday, Sept. 11, as crews restore power, remove debris, and address other storm impacts.
MEO highlights transportation services available to West Maui residents
Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. is highlighting transportation services available to West Maui residents. MEO provides specialized transportation options that help reduce barriers to accessing essential services, medical appointments, employment, education and other resources. Depending on the service, transportation is provided…
Kaumālapaʻu Harbor on Lānaʻi is inoperable
As of 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, Kaumālapaʻu Harbor on Lānaʻi is inoperable due to Hurricane Lowell. Additional staff will be headed to Kaumālapaʻu this afternoon.
90% of Kauaʻi customers without power; HECO reports approximately 21,000 without power on Oʻahu
Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative is reporting 90% of its 36,000-plus customers is without power as of 6:40 a.m. As of 6:30 a.m., approximately 21,000 customers on Oʻahu are without power. This represents less than 7% of Hawaiian Electric’s total Oʻahu…
County opens temporary service sites in West, Central Maui due to Hurricane Lowell coastal flooding
The County of Maui opened two temporary service sites at 8 a.m., Sept. 8, 2026, in West Maui and in Central Maui for anyone impacted by Hurricane Lowell road closures due to coastal flooding.
Flash flooding risk remains due to Lowell; Hurricane and Tropical Storm Warnings cancelled
(Update: 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026) A risk of flash flooding risk remains in the Hawaiian Islands due to Hurricane Lowell. Hurricane and Tropical Storm Warnings have since been cancelled for Hawaiʻi.