Maui News
Imua ʻOnipaʻa opens applications for March 2026 Career Development Cohort
Imua ʻOnipaʻa, a Hawaiʻi-based nonprofit dedicated to building thriving career pathways, is now accepting applications for its March 2026 Career Development Cohort, open to residents across the State of Hawaiʻi.
Factory-built housing bill stirs debate: Cost versus durability for wildfire survivor housing
The Maui County Council passed a bill on first reading Friday that would allow for factory-built housing in the Lahaina burn zone, a measure intended to accelerate housing recovery for survivors of the August 2023 wildfires.
SUV crashes into Panda Express; no injuries reported
An elderly driver crashed a van into the Panda Express restaurant Tuesday in Kahului, but no one was injured, according to the Maui Police Department.
The Shops at Wailea welcomes Lunar New Year with lion dance and martial arts, Feb. 19
The Shops at Wailea invites the public to welcome the Lunar New Year with a cultural celebration on Thursday, Feb. 19. The afternoon will feature a traditional lion dance and martial arts demonstration by Oʻahu-based Au’s Shaolin Arts Society.
The Big Game returns to the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Feb. 8
The Maui Arts & Cultural Center hosts viewing of The Big Game on two screens—indoors at the Castle Theater, and outdoors at the Yokouchi Pavilion—on Sunday, Feb. 8. Gates open at 12 p.m., and kickoff is at 1:30 p.m.
Lahaina businesses, Hana Hou by Hale Zen and Melissa Dyckman Interiors secure public relations
Owned by longtime retailer Lisa Payne, Hana Hou by Hale Zen reopened in 2024 after being lost in the August 2023 Lahaina wildfire. Melissa Dyckman Interiors specializes in full-service interior design, architectural review, furnishings and styling, with a focus on supporting Lahaina fire rebuilds.
West Coast Health Alliance endorses American Academy of Pediatrics immunization schedule
The West Coast Health Alliance endorses the 2026 American Academy of Pediatrics Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule. This reflects a broad consensus on the safety and benefits of the recommended immunizations, according to the state Department of Health.
Hawaiʻi Journalism Initiative adopts national nonprofit standards, paving the way for sustainable local news
The Hawaiʻi Journalism Initiative has officially adopted comprehensive operational and ethical policies aligned with the Institute for Nonprofit News, the gold standard for public service journalism in America. “This is a strategic milestone that marks a significant step forward in HJI’s evolution from a startup concept to a thriving civic institution for public engagement and […]
Rooftop solar tops 120,000 on Hawaiian Electric grids, including 19,000 on Maui
In Maui County, there are 19,068 PV systems, 94% of which are residential, and 8% are commercial or grid-scale. Maui has a 232 MW capacity, 47% of which is residential, and 53% is commercial or grid-scale.
Surfer John John Florence defers return to competition, takes year-long break
Three-time World Champion John John Florence has announced that he will defer his return to the World Surf League, Championship Tour for another year. Florence, who was awarded the WSL Season Wildcard, has decided to withdraw from the 2026 CT and extend his break from full-time competition to continue to focus on his family and travel.
Community input welcome on Māla Boat Ramp site improvements
The community is invited to a Feb. 4 meeting to provide input on a proposed improvement project for Māla Boat Ramp on Maui’s west side.
Mayor Bissen: Maui’s wildfire recovery shifts gears to housing delivery and infrastructure investment
Mayor Richard Bissen told state lawmakers Monday that his administration has shifted its focus from immediate wildfire recovery to housing delivery and large-scale infrastructure investments, forecasting the construction of approximately 3,000 affordable and workforce homes by 2030.
Local artist paints dream of for Lahaina
“My wish is to see Lahaina alive and thriving again, a painted dream I hope will come true,” said Ronald Macedo, an island artist who has lived and painted in Lahaina for the past 35 years.
4.2 earthquake on Hawaiʻi Island is part of ongoing deep swarm beneath Pāhala
A magnitude-4.2 earthquake reported at 11:37 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 26, occurred 1 mile northwest of Pāhala on the Island of Hawaiʻi at a depth of 21 miles below sea level. Scientists with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory say the earthquake was part of the ongoing deep swarm beneath Pāhala that began about 7 years ago and is not directly related to volcanic activity.
Mana O Maui offers free afterschool Surf-N-Turf program for teens
Mana O Maui is now accepting applications for their free Surf-N-Turf Afterschool Program, a seasonal adventure experience designed to empower teens and tweens through outdoor exploration and cultural learning. Open to kids ages 11-17, this unique program combines surf therapy, hiking, and Hawaiian cultural practices to foster confidence, teamwork and resilience.
HIDOE announces new Kaiapuni priority placement process to support growing demand
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education announced that a new, statewide priority placement process for Kaiapuni Education (Hawaiian language immersion programs) will open on Feb. 2, 2026, marking an important step toward greater consistency, clarity and equity for families seeking Kaiapuni options for their children. The application window will close March 13, 2026.
Update/Located: Maui police seek help in locating missing Kīhei woman
Kahue-Boynes was located and found to be in good health. The Maui Police Department thanks the public for their assistance.
Montage Kapalua Bay kicks off 2026 with on-property experiences
Montage Kapalua Bay is kicking off the year with an exciting lineup of on-property experiences. From oceanfront Valentine’s Day dining at Cane & Canoe to Self-Love Vinaya Yoga and a celebratory dragon dance to celebrate the Year of The Horse, resort executives say there’s something for everyone.
Hawaiian Music Series 2026 kicks off at its new location in Lahaina
This week, the beloved Hawaiian Music Series returns to Lahaina for 2026 at a new location on the lawn of Waiola Church, 535 Waineʻe Street. The first free, family-friendly concert takes place this Thursday, Jan. 29, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., featuring acclaimed Maui musician Joshua Kahula. Free parking is available on site.
Forensic Sciences Lab secures last remains of venerated Saint Marianne of Molokaʻi
More than a century after her death, the story of a saint who served those with Hansen’s disease and died on Moloka’i is being told anew—through science. Chaminade University’s Forensic Sciences Unit is helping evaluate her remains, uniting Marianist mission and modern forensic expertise to bring history to life in service to the community.
