Maui News
Maui planning panel clears way for two Lahaina rebuilds, and demolition of aging structures at Wailuku Hongwanji Mission
The Maui Planning Commission approved permits on Tuesday for two families to rebuild homes destroyed in the August 2023 Lahaina wildfire and authorized the Wailuku Hongwanji Mission to replace aging structures with a new multipurpose hall.
LRF Benefit Lūʻau sold out; donations still open for courthouse restoration
The Lahaina Restoration Foundation is grateful to announce that all seats for the upcoming 2026 LRF Benefit Lūʻau have officially sold out, demonstrating the community’s strong support for the preservation and restoration of Lahaina’s historic sites.
County Department of Parks and Recreation facility closures announced
The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation announced facility closures in West Maui and in Central Maui.
Mother’s Day at Westin Maui Resort & Spa
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa is offering a special Mother’s Day brunch experience in an alfresco setting with live music and a vibrant atmosphere.
Coast Guard suspends search for fishing vessel crewman offshore Hawaiʻi
The US Coast Guard suspended its search at 4:30 p.m. Thursday for a fishing vessel crewman in the water over 1,200 miles offshore Hawaiʻi. Missing is a 59-year-old man who reportedly fell overboard, Sunday.
US House passes Homeland Security funding bill, ending shutdown except for ICE and CBP
The US House passed legislation earlier passed by the US Senate to fund all of the Department of Homeland Security for Fiscal Year 2026 except immigration enforcement in two agencies, bringing an end to a shutdown affecting thousands of federal workers. The President has signed the bill into law.
Hawaiʻi REALTORS Charitable Foundation to distribute $200,000 in storm relief
The Hawai‘i REALTORS Charitable Foundation, the charitable arm of Hawai‘i REALTORS, will distribute $200,000 in grants to Hawai‘i residents impacted by the Kona Low storms in March.
Mental Health Month: DOH supporting mental wellness from keiki to kūpuna
On May 7, mental health providers, community organizations and advocates statewide will participate in sign-waving events to raise awareness about the importance of mental health.
Hawaiʻi’s Senate and House money committees approve state budget bill
The Hawaiʻi State Senate and House of Representatives today approved House Bill No. 1800 CD1, the state’s supplemental budget bill for fiscal biennium 2025-2027. The measure was finalized in a joint conference committee after both chambers initially passed different versions. The bill will now be up for final reading in both chambers before heading to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
Flags ordered to half-staff for National Firefighters Memorial Weekend
The flag order for Sunday, May 3, 2026, is in observance of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.
Public invited to review draft Statewide Historic Preservation Plan
The plan will guide how the state, county agencies, Native Hawaiian organizations and communities work together to identify, protect and steward Hawaiʻi’s historic and cultural resources from 2026 through 2034.
West Maui Rep. Cochran leads House in floor no-shows — again, but not as much
State Rep. Elle Cochran of West Maui missed 20% of floor sessions so far this year, the highest absence rate among all House members, according to House of Representatives’ Daily Session Attendance sheets. The records show Cochran was absent for 11 out of 55 session days.
Get ready for the Visitor Industry Charity Walk
The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association invites Maui to join this year’s annual Charity Walk fundraiser for Maui County at the War Memorial Events Complex in Wailuku. The MHLA Visitor Industry Charity Walk takes place on Saturday, May 9, at 8 a.m.
DLNR and Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority team up to restore coral on Oʻahu
At the Kewalo site, the restoration project builds on previous efforts by DAR and partners from Kuleana Coral Restoration to save live corals after an anchor-damage event in 2024. The project also provides a new educational experience for recreational divers and operators.
Senate confirms Vladimir Devens as Chief Justice of Hawaiʻi Supreme Court
The Hawaiʻi State Senate today confirmed the appointment of Vladimir P. Devens as Chief Justice of the Hawaiʻi State Supreme Court for a term to expire in 10 years.
Go behind the scenes with Marine Institute at Maui Ocean Center
Guests on Maui Ocean Center’s Behind the Scenes Tours will now make a stop at The Marine Institute at Maui Ocean Center to learn about the nonprofit organization’s work protecting Maui’s marine resources.
Hawaiʻi’s statewide emergency siren test, May 1
The monthly test of the all-hazard Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System is scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2026, at 11:45 a.m. The siren test will be coordinated with a test of the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System.
Volcano Watch — Kīlauea summit eruptions outside of Halemaʻumaʻu
Volcano Watch: While eruptions at the summit of Kīlauea most frequently occur within Halemaʻumaʻu, they can occur outside of the modern caldera as well.
Mother’s Day Happenings at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Guests and residents alike are invited to gather in the Haleakalā Gardens for a multi-course Mother’s Day brunch buffet that will feature a chef-inspired menu of fresh favorites, with highlights including a raw seafood bar and carving station. End the day at Kilolani Spa, and indulge in the Mother’s Day Escape package, with 2.5 hours of treatments accompanied by a glass of champagne.
State Film Commissioner Donne Dawson retires after 25 years
Hawai‘i State Film Commissioner Donne Dawson will be retiring from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism effective April 30, 2026, concluding 25 years of service managing the Hawai‘i Film Office and the state’s film program.
