Maui News
Maui Fire Department responds to 58 calls during kona storm
These calls included 32 specifically flooding-related emergencies, five calls for sparking powerlines, five for vehicles stranded due to downed trees, six for boats that had parted their moorings due to the rough ocean conditions, and 10 swift water rescues in which 27 individuals were rescued.
Shelters closing today as weather conditions improve
Emergency shelters at Maui High School Gym in Kahului and Hāna High School Cafeteria were closed today, March 16, and remaining shelters in Lahaina and South Maui were set to close at 5 p.m. today, after being opened last week before a prolonged kona storm brought heavy rain, flooding and high wind to Maui County and the rest of the state.
State Highways recovery efforts following the kona low pressure storm
On Maui and Moloka‘i crews are continuing to clear debris and mud from roads; clearing drains and culverts; filling potholes; inspecting roadways; inspecting bridges and culverts; inspecting rock embankments; checking outlet structures and embankments; identifying damaged guardrails; clearing debris from Ukumehame Stream Bridge; removing hazardous trees; troubleshooting traffic signals.
Lahaina family’s land struggle featured in new documentary
A new feature-length documentary following a Lahaina family’s 20-year legal battle to protect ancestral kuleana lands in Kauaʻula Valley premieres this week at the DisOrient Asian American Film Festival. The film, “EA (SOVEREIGN),” focuses on Kanaka ʻŌiwi community leader Keʻeaumoku Kapu and his family’s efforts to reclaim and steward valley lands. Directors Noah Keone Viernes […]
Puʻunoa Beach Estates announces Grand Reopening Celebration in Lahaina
Puʻunoa Beach Estates will mark an important milestone for the Lahaina community with a Grand Reopening Celebration on March 24 from 6–8 p.m. The evening will serve not only as a celebration of the property’s reopening, but also as a meaningful moment of renewal and continued healing for a community that has shown remarkable resilience.
County of Maui kona storm recovery recap – March 16
Many County of Maui departments have been actively working on cleanup since Sunday in several hard-hit areas of the kona storm, which brought widespread flooding, high wind and severe rain to many parts of the four-island County.
Community raises $48,000 for couple whose home washed away in ʻĪao
A GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $48,000 for an 80-year-old couple living in a storage container after recent floodwaters destroyed their home and property in ʻĪao Valley.
New study on Kauaʻi finds surge in road deaths for Hawaiʻi’s state bird, the nēnē
A new research initiative on Kauaʻi’s west side has uncovered a disturbing rise in vehicle-related deaths of endangered nēnē along a 5-mile stretch of Kaumualiʻi Highway.
HECO 9 p.m. update: 7,600 customers without electricity, including 2,400 on Maui
Crews restored the majority of Kula customers from Lower Kula Highway to Keokea Place. More than 3,500 customers were restored today, however, about 2,400 customers remain without power. In Kīhei, mud and debris are being cleared to inspect and make any repairs to underground facilities that could restore 600 customers. In East Maui, including pockets of Ha‘ikū, about 300 customers should continue to prepare for extended overnight outages due to ongoing damage assessments and repairs.
Salvation Army mobilizes emergency services in response to kona low; Red Cross looking for volunteers
Organization and its volunteers deliver more than 600 meals to impacted residents and first responders throughout the state.
Resilience hubs provide aid to affected residents during kona low storm response
Communities across Hawaiʻi Island rally to support those in need through coordinated efforts and support from Vibrant Hawaiʻi during the Kona low storm.
Remnant showers and windy summits as kona low exits to the north
As the kona low exits to the north of the Hawaiian Islands, remnant bands of moderate showers continue over Leeward Big Island and Maui while conditions improve elsewhere, according to an update from the National Weather Service. Toward the latter end of the week, another threat of heavy rain is anticipated as low pressure develops west of the islands.
DOH alerts public about Costco Meatloaf with Mashed Yukon Potatoes and Glaze due to potential Salmonella
The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s Food and Drug Branch is alerting residents to a recall issued by Costco Wholesale for its Meatloaf with Mashed Yukon Potatoes and Glaze, Item #30783. The recall was issued after ingredient supplier Griffith Foods Inc. announced a recall of an ingredient used in the product due to potential Salmonella contamination.
Residents urged to file insurance claims after severe weather
Access step-by-step guidance on the Hawaiʻi Insurance Division’s website to streamline the claims process and ensure you’re well-prepared for future disasters.
Update: Traffic signal temporary repairs completed for the intersection of Puʻunēnē Avenue and Kamehameha Avenue
The traffic signal at the Puʻunēnē Avenue (Route 3500) and Kamehameha Avenue intersection is fully functioning. Interim repairs were made in the morning on Monday, March 16.
Hawaiʻi National Guard activated to support counties in response to kona storm impacts
On Maui, the Guard assisted Maui Police Department by manning four traffic control points on Saturday and Sunday. The traffic control points were to protect the public from flood affected road closures. The Maui High Water Vehicle Teams were on standby to support the Maui Fire Department.
HIDOE assessing campus impacts following kona low storm
Students and teachers are already scheduled to be off this week for spring break (March 16-20). At this time, HIDOE schools are scheduled to reopen Monday for year-round staff, with the exception of Hāna High & Elementary School, which is impacted by debris and remains without power while restoration efforts continue.
Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap opens March 27 at Historic ʻĪao Theater
Maui OnStage brings the world’s longest-running play to the historic ʻĪao Theater in Wailuku starting March 27, featuring a local cast in Agatha Christie’s famous “closed-room” murder mystery, The Mousetrap.
Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi, Upcountry shelters closing as kona storm threat lessens
Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and Upcountry emergency shelters are closing at 7 p.m. today, March 15, 2026, with the National Weather Service forecasting diminishing effects to Maui County from a kona storm that has impacted the state since last week.
Lahaina artist hosts abstract painting and wearable design class
Maui artist Ali will host an abstract “Paint + Sip” art class on March 22 at King’s Tide Lahaina, offering participants a chance to turn their original paintings into custom wearable clutches. The event runs from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the gallery located at 219 Kupuohi St., Unit 101. Attendees will work in a […]
