Maui News

An evacuation warning notice has been downgraded to an advisory at 10:13 a.m. today, March 15, 2026, for Wahikuli and Leialiʻi areas below Ka Laʻi Ola in Lahaina due to the lower risk of flooding, according to Maui Emergency Management Agency.

The Halemaʻumaʻu eruption of Kīlauea is paused. The summit is currently deflating, but tremor continues. Preliminary models suggest the forecast window for the onset of episode 44 lava fountaining is March 30 to April 8.

The Hawaiʻi House of Representatives is proud to recognize House Education Week at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol from March 16 – 20, 2026.

On Sunday evening, crews restored power to a majority of South Maui customers. Crews also brought back online a majority of Kula customers between the Ōmaʻopio Road area to Lower Kula Highway. About 4,600 customers (6% of customers on Maui) are currently without power, with the majority in Upcountry and East Maui.

Roadways across Maui remain hazardous due to debris, flooding and limited turnaround space. There are still multiple road closures and traffic advisories in place. Here is an ongoing list of road closures…

Dellfinn Castroverde, a driver with more than 30 years of service to Maui County residents, received the Maui Economic Opportunity Driver of the Year award during a staff ceremony Feb. 26.

The large and powerful kona storm that has been slowly moving across the Hawaiian Islands, is expected to begin lifting northeastward today into Monday, with heavy rain and strong winds easing across the state, according to the National Weather Service. However, periods of unsettled wet weather in a light and variable low level wind pattern will continue across the state through next week.

Maui United Way announced five local nonprofits will receive state Hawaiʻi Act 310 funds to maintain food and shelter services following a drop in federal emergency funding for rural communities.

HDOT has received concerns regarding the ‘Ῑao Stream (Wailuku River) Bridge and would like to reassure Central Maui residents that the bridge has been inspected and cleared. The crack on the bridge is related to the bridge deck joints and was recorded on the bridge’s 2024 inspection. Bridge deck joints allow for regular expansion of the deck as the bridge heats and cools.

An Upcountry shelter was opened at 7 tonight at Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani.

County of Maui Department of Water Supply deployed water buffalos (drinking water tanks) in several parts of Upper Kula today, March 14, 2026, after a mainline break impacted area water service.

Both an evacuation warning and an evacuation advisory have been issued at 6 p.m. today, March 14, 2026, for Wahikuli and Leialiʻi areas below Ka Laʻi Ola in Lahaina due to fast-moving floodwaters from nearby retention basins nearing capacity, according to Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). Warnings and advisories are not mandatory evacuation orders.

Maui Health will host a free community seminar, “Building Brain Healthy Habits: Ingredients for Healthy Aging,” on Wednesday, March 18, at the Maui Memorial Medical Center Auditorium. Two sessions will be offered to accommodate schedules: 12–1 p.m. and 6–7 p.m.

Due to unsafe facility conditions caused by severe weather, the Kula Hospital Emergency Department is temporarily closed.

Multiple road closures are in place as a severe storm makes its way over the islands. Ongoing updates are provided here.

Spend the weekend of April 3 to 5 immersed in the rainforest of Haleakalā’s Kīpahulu District on a service project with the Friends of Haleakalā National Park. This is a front-country, car-accessible trip with minimal hiking and maximum connection to a beautiful place. Participants will tent camp and prepare shared meals in the bunkhouse. 

Lahaina Cannery will host a St. Patrick’s Day celebration on March 17 featuring live music from Logan Kalawaia and Friends and holiday-themed drink specials at the West Maui shopping center.

About 7,300 customers, or 10% of total customers, remain out in various areas, including Upcountry, South, and East Maui. Crews restored more than half of the 20,000 customers impacted by the storm across the county throughout the day. Damage assessments and potential repairs are being stalled due to flash flooding, downed trees, and road closures like the one caused by a massive sinkhole in South Maui.

A powerful kona storm continues to hit Maui County, forcing widespread road closures from flooding, landslides, downed power lines and other infrastructure issues. The National Weather Service anticipates severe weather will last through Sunday for Maui County.

The Hawaiʻi House of Representatives advanced numerous bills relating to Native Hawaiian affairs that support housing, cultural preservation, and community support.