Maui News
OHA offers full-tuition scholarships for Native Hawaiian culinary students
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is offering full-tuition scholarships for Native Hawaiian culinary professionals to participate in the Kūlana ʻĀina Culinary program at Kapiʻolani Community College on Oʻahu. “Food has always been central to how Native Hawaiians care for one another and sustain our communities,” said OHA Interim Chief Administrator Summer Sylva. “Kūlana ʻĀina reconnects […]
Matson donates gingerbread house kits to Easterseals Hawai‘i families
Matson provided more than 300 gingerbread house kits to Easterseals Hawaii families this Christmas, continuing a partnership that has spanned more than 60 years.
2026 Tax season brings needed financial relief for seniors
In addition to the existing standard deduction, filers who are age 65 and older can qualify for a new senior bonus deduction of up to $6,000 for individuals and $12,000 for married couples. This deduction is targeted to lower- and middle-income retirees and will help tens of millions keep more of their income.
Hirono, colleagues urge administration to restore funding for Full-Service Community Schools
US Sen. Mazie Hirono joined a group of Senate Democrats this week in urging US Education Secretary Linda McMahon to reverse the Department of Education’s decision to discontinue $168 million in grants for the Full-Service Community School program.
Pre-fire Front Street Improvements Project continues; work completion slated for May
Work on the County of Maui’s pre-fire Front Street Improvements Project will continue with updates to features of the historical roadway between the intersections of Baker to Pāpalaua streets and Lahainaluna Road to Dickenson Street. The stretch of Front Street from Lahainaluna Road to Papelekane Street remains closed.
UH offers free cybersecurity clinic, Jan. 21
Sign up now to safeguard your small business. The University of Hawaiʻi Cybersecurity Clinic is launching a new series of free virtual meetings to help sole proprietors and small business owners across Hawaiʻi fortify their operations against online threats. The first session, focusing on essential “cyber hygiene,” is a crucial opportunity for local entrepreneurs to gain vital protection for […]
County DWS adds webpage with new water-use calculation method
The County of Maui Department of Water Supply launched an additional webpage to provide the public with information on the new method for calculating water use for water service requests, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Maui real estate sales up in double digits in December; condo prices fall steeply
The Maui County real estate market closed 2025 with a significant boost in sales activity as buyers capitalized on increased inventory and lower prices, particularly in the condominium sector where values dropped more than 20%.
New dormitory opens on Aloha House’s Makawao campus; bed capacity up 25%
Aloha House staff, board members and supporters gathered Wednesday for a ribbon-cutting and blessing ceremony to celebrate the opening of a new dormitory on the Makawao campus. The new structure adds 12 beds to the facility’s existing 48 beds, increasing the program’s capacity by 25%. The agency provides residential substance use treatment programs, including medically […]
42 foot catamaran begins taking on water at Māla Wharf in Lahaina
A 42-foot catamaran moored approximately 300 yards off Māla Wharf in Lahaina was reported to be taking on water and sinking on Thursday morning.
County of Maui offices to be closed Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
County of Maui offices, facilities and services will be closed or modified on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Gov. Green appoints Jon Itomura as Chair of the Public Utilities Commission
Gov. Josh Green has appointed Jon Itomura to serve as Chair of the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission.
New public Pre-K increases access on Kauaʻi
Ready Keiki launched in January 2023 with the goal of expanding preschool access statewide. Since then, the state has opened more than 80 classrooms through the Executive Office on Early Learning Public Pre-Kindergarten Program.
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice opens at Maui Ocean Center
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice has opened its newest location at Maui Ocean Center.
The shave ice stand — located near Maui Ocean Center’s entrance — is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Rare discovery: Nearly intact whale placenta retrieved by Pacific Whale Foundation
Pacific Whale Foundation reports it has successfully retrieved a rare, nearly intact whale placenta—the most complete specimen it has ever had the opportunity to study. This is the second full placenta that has been collected in Hawai’i, the most recent one was in 2020 by Pacific Whale Foundation.
FEMA extension uncertain; Mayor urges wildfire survivors to take alternate housing, if available
With the end of temporary federal emergency assistance now set for the end of next month, Mayor Richard Bissen advised Lahaina wildfire survivors Wednesday night to take a permanent housing alternative, if available.
Hale Makua announces new ‘CarePlex’ and workforce housing initiatives on Maui
Hale Makua Health Services, a Maui-born nonprofit serving the island for 80 years, today announced two landmark projects inspired by the community. The first project is an innovative health care complex in collaboration with Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association (HMSA) currently referred to as the “CarePlex.” The second project is a 100-unit workforce housing development.
Valley Isle Softball Little League celebrates first opening day
Valley Isle Softball Little League will open its inaugural season with an opening day ceremony at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Central Maui Regional Sports Complex.
Credit Unions of Maui raise $8,000 for Maui Food Bank
The Credit Unions of Maui recently raised $8,000 and collected more than 1,800 pounds of non-perishable food for the Maui Food Bank through their annual Food and Funds Drive.
Third earthquake swarm at the summit of Kīlauea reported since the end of episode 40
Most of the earthquakes are volcano-tectonic earthquakes that accompany crack opening due to magmatic pressure, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
