Maui News
‘Flip Flop Shops’ opens at Whalers Village on Maui
Whalers Village welcomed Flip Flop Shops to its oceanfront collection of retailers, with a grand opening celebration held Saturday, April 18. Locally owned and operated, the new store offers a curated selection of premium casual footwear.
Japanese Cultural Society of Maui Celebrates Successful 24th Annual Maui Matsuri Festival
The Japanese Cultural Society of Maui successfully hosted the 24th Annual Maui Matsuri Japanese Festival, May 23, at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College, bringing together the Maui community for a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture, tradition and friendship.
Statewide ‘Makahiki Kuleana Kahakai’ coastal restoration day, June 6
The Department of Land and Natural Resources – Division of Aquatic Resources invites people on all islands to join in the Makahiki Kuleana Kahakai on June 6, 2026. As part of the Year of Our Coastal Kuleana, this event serves as a day of collective action to mālama the shorelines, waterways and community spaces that sustain life in Hawaiʻi. Two events are already planned on Maui including a dune restoration project at Kapukaulua (Baldwin Beach Park) on June 5, 2026; and a World Ocean Day event at Stable Road in Spreckelsville on June 6, 2026.
Annual memorial ride honors lives lost on Maui’s roads and raises awareness for safer streets for all
Despite challenging weather conditions including strong winds and rain, the 2026 Maui Ride of Silence brought together riders, community leaders, advocates, public agencies, and volunteers on Saturday, May 23, to honor cyclists lost on Maui’s roads and raise awareness for safer streets for all.
Mayor Richard Bissen bringing Holomua Kākou back to Molokaʻi, other rural communities
Mayor Richard Bissen is bringing Holomua Kākou back to Molokaʻi on Monday, June 29, and Tuesday, June 30, 2026, as part of his ongoing effort to take County government directly to Maui County’s rural communities.
Coast Guard searching for overdue boater off Oʻahu
The Coast Guard is searching for an overdue boater west of Oʻahu. A good Samaritan found a partially sunken vessel matching the description of the missing man’s boat about 18 miles west of Waiʻanae at about 9:30 a.m. Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Lane closures on Puʻunēnē Avenue for striping work, May 26-29
One lane of Puʻunēnē will be closed between Wākea Avenue and Kūihelani Highway from Tuesday, May 26 to Friday, May 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for striping work.
Attorney General Lopez provides biweekly update on public corruption investigation
Since the last update, the department’s Special Investigation and Prosecution Division (SIPD) continues to review records, conduct interviews and evaluate information obtained through subpoenas.
Hawaiʻi-Japan Sister Summit strengthens partnerships, sets new collaborative priorities
The 2026 Hawaiʻi–Japan Sister Summit concluded yesterday at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort, bringing together more than 350 participants – including nearly 30 governors, vice governors and mayors – from Hawaiʻi and Japan – for dialogue, cultural exchange and policy collaboration.
Green makes several board and commission appointments, including Freitas to UH Board of Regents
Gov. Josh Green announced several appointments and interim appointments to state boards and commissions, including the appointment of Makai Freitas to the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents.
Facility upgrades proposed for Mākena State Park on Maui
In June, the DLNR Division of State Parks will submit to the Maui Planning Commission a proposal for phased construction that is aimed at improving the overall beach experience at the popular Mākena State Park.
Hoʻonani Village project recommended for first reading passage by full Council; calls for deferral set aside
A Maui County Council committee voted 5-1 Wednesday to recommend passage of two land use bills that would clear the way for the proposed Hoʻonani Village mixed-use development on former sugarcane fields near Kahului Airport, overriding deferral recommendations from three county departments with concerns about infrastructure shortfalls.
Memorial Day Tribute to honor fallen heroes; Maui son and Vietnam Veteran is keynote speaker
The Maui County Veterans Council, in collaboration with the County of Maui, veterans organizations, military affiliates, youth groups, and community volunteers, invites the community to attend the 2026 Memorial Day Tribute on Monday, May 25, 2026, at Maui Veterans Cemetery in Makawao.
Maui voters to receive yellow signature cards ahead of 2026 elections
Maui voters will soon be receiving their yellow voter signature cards in the mail. This voter card does two important things: 1) confirms voters are properly registered to vote in the Primary Election (in August) and the General Election (in November), and 2) gives voters the opportunity to update their signatures in their voter record.
About 800 households might have received wrong Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, card
Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services says its electronic benefit transfer, or EBT, vendor Fidelity Information Services sent some beneficiaries SUN Bucks card instead of regular Kōkua card.
Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization welcomes new Executive Director
The Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization announced the appointment of Kasie M. Apo Takayama as its new Executive Director.
Kauanoe Batangan files nomination papers for Maui County Council
Surrounded by his family and the family of the late Council Member Tasha Kama, fourth generation Kahului resident and current Council Member Kauanoe Batangan officially filed nomination papers Friday to run for the Maui County Council. Batangan shared the moment with his young family, parents, and family-members of his predecessor.
P. Denise La Costa files for Maui County Mayor’s race; affordability is central issue of her campaign
“Maui families are under real pressure: rising housing costs, higher bills, struggling small businesses, and residents wondering whether they can afford to stay home,” said LaCosta. “My plan is clear: cut the cost of living, restore Lahaina, fight for a Maui hospital, and bring honesty and accountability back to County government. We will turn renters into owners and lower rents.”
Volcano Watch: Kīlauea all tied up at 47 episodes
Episode 47 of lava fountaining during the ongoing episodic summit eruption of the Big Island volcano tied the 1983-86 initial phase of the Pu‘u‘ō‘ō eruption on Kīlauea, which had a total of 47 events, for the most fountaining episodes ever recorded — so far — at the volcano; so how do these historic eruptions compare?
Maui football standout Kaholi Krau commits to Utah State University
Baldwin High School senior Kaholi Krau has officially committed to continue his academic and athletic career at Utah State University, where he will play football for the Aggies in the Pac-12 Conference.
