Maui News
Fundraiser to support innovative grants for public school teachers
Public school teachers across the state will soon have access to funds to implement new, innovative programs for their students. Par Hawaii’s Hele locations will hold its third annual “Fuel the Future” fundraiser to benefit the Public Schools of Hawaiʻi Foundation, and the proceeds will help teachers go above and beyond what they do in […]
30 years and counting: Community science helps track humpback whales across Hawaiʻi
On the last Saturday of January, February, and March, volunteers gather at their designated coastal sites on the islands of Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Hawaiʻi, and Kauaʻi to tally observed species and help scientists assess whale distribution and abundance in the sanctuary.
Duke’s Maui elevates support for local surf community as new title sponsor of ‘Legends of the Bay’
Duke’s Maui has officially stepped up as the title sponsor for the Hawaii Surfing Association’s “Legends of the Bay” contest, deepening its longstanding commitment to the West Maui community. Building on years of involvement as a food sponsor, this move honors the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku by ensuring the longevity of one of the island’s most cherished […]
P. Denise La Costa announces candidacy for Maui County Mayor
P. Denise La Costa, a Maui community leader and business owner, announced that she is running for Maui County Mayor. The news was shared during a press conference Thursday, fronting the County Building in Wailuku.
County of Maui Office of Recovery to hold special permitting workshop for commercial property owners
The County of Maui Office of Recovery invites commercial property owners who lost property in Lahaina during the 2023 Maui wildfires to attend a dedicated commercial permitting workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Morgado Hall at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului.
American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi supports ‘strike’ to stop US Immigration and Customs Enforcement violence
There are more than 300 registered actions and events set for today throughout the nation, calling on people, organizations and communities to “strike” and demand a stop to federal government-sponsored violence being inflicted by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, agents against peaceful protestors in Minneapolis, Minn., and elsewhere.
Maui visitor industry outpaces state growth in 2025; Canadian travel down but shows signs of recovery
Maui County’s economic recovery gained momentum in 2025 with visitor arrivals and spending outpacing statewide averages, according to preliminary statistics released by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.
Possible contamination causes Gerber Products Co. to recall keiki biscuits
The product was distributed nationwide, including by retailers such as Walmart, Target and Longs Drugs in Hawai‘i; recall was issued because the biscuits might have soft plastic and/or paper pieces inside that could cause injury or pose a choking hazard.
$130 million AINA Kitchen Network facility breaks ground to create first centralized kitchen for school meals
The Department, which serves over 103,000 meals per day to students statewide, plans to operate up to two regional kitchens on Oʻahu, two on Hawaiʻi Island and one each on Kauaʻi, Maui and Molokaʻi. Standalone production kitchens will continue at Hāna High & Elementary, Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary, Lānaʻi High & Elementary and Nāʻālehu Elementary schools.
Volcano Watch — When it rained rocks: tephra fall during Kīlauea’s episode 41
Large lava fountains streamed from both the north and south vents reaching heights of at least 1475 feet during episode 41 of Kīlauea’s summit eruption on Jan. 24, 2026. Strong updrafts coupled with light winds blowing to the east and north sent lava fragments from the fountains, called tephra, over much of the District of Puna and into South Hilo and the eastern edge of Kaʻū.
Restaurant fire in Wailuku likely accidental, one person injured
One person was injured during a structure fire at a small restaurant building in Wailuku on Wednesday afternoon. Fire officials say the cause of the fire is under investigation, but preliminary indications are that it was accidental.
Seattle Seahawks to host two free flag football clinics for girls on Hawaiʻi Island
The Seattle Seahawks will host two free girls’ flag football clinics for high school athletes on Hawai‘i Island, in partnership with the Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association and the Hawai‘i State Department of Education.
February at The Shops at Wailea: Art Exhibitions, Live Music and Cultural Evenings
For the month of February, The Shops at Wailea thoughtfully curated a lineup of arts and entertainment, inviting both residents and visitors to experience live music, gallery showcases and cultural gatherings.
State Department of Health continues to support watershed restoration on Kaho‘olawe
The Restoration of Kamōhio Watershed Phase I project will take place from 2025 through 2028 and focuses on reducing sedimentation and improving water quality in Kamōhio Bay and surrounding nearshore waters.
Hirono, Collins introduce legislation to mandate credible hate crime reporting
US Sens. Mazie Hirono of Hawaiʻi and Susan Collins of Maine have introduced the Improving Reporting to Prevent Hate Act, a bipartisan legislative effort intended to strengthen the accuracy of hate crime reporting nationwide.
FHB announces promotions, including Maile Wong of Maui
First Hawaiian Bank has promoted four bank executives and hired a new one, according to bank Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Harrison.
TSA ConfirmID coming to Hawai‘i airports; travelers without REAL ID can pay for verification
TSA ConfirmID enables travelers to verify their identity before arriving at the security checkpoint, for a $45 fee, with the process typically taking 10 to 15 minutes, though it could require 30 minutes or more in some cases.
Rep. Tokuda announces Class of 2030 nominees to the US Service Academies
US Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02) announced her nomination of 30 students from Hawaiʻi to the US service academies for the Class of 2030.
West Maui private pool interim ban advances to the mayor for final consideration
The Maui County Council passed a bill on second and final reading Friday to enact a temporary ban on new private swimming pools in West Maui, a measure intended to conserve water for housing and wildfire recovery efforts.
Keiki Caucus introduces 2026 legislative package to support Hawaiʻi’s youth
Members of the Hawaiʻi State Legislature’s Keiki Caucus and community advocates on Wednesday, unveiled the 2026 Keiki Caucus Bill Package, comprised of five priority bills that address the health and welfare of Hawaiʻi’s youth.





