Maui News

A case of avian influenza has now been confirmed in a Koloa Maoli (Hawaiian duck) found sick on Nov. 26 at the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Hanalei Wildlife Refuge in Hanalei, Kauaʻi. The bird which died within 24 hours of being found was recently confirmed positive by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories.

Mālama Hāmākua Maui has announced its 2026 schedule of community events, featuring a new series of conservation workshops and volunteer opportunities at Hāmākualoa Kūlaiwi off Hahana Road. The nonprofit organization is introducing a Kilo Workshop Series in partnership with the Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program. The quarterly sessions are scheduled for Jan. 31, April […]

Surfrider Foundation, Pacific Fire Exchange, and Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization, have released Re-planting After Fire: A Fire-Resilient Landscape Guide for Lahaina & West Maui — a new, free resource created specifically for the Lahaina and West Maui community.

A Brown Water Advisory has been issued at Kamaʻole II in South Maui. The Department recommends staying out of the water for 48-72 hours after the rain has stopped and after the beach has received full sunshine. 

Mayor Richard Bissen has appointed Jacky Takakura, a former Deputy Planning Director, to serve as County of Maui Planning Director. Her appointment takes effect Feb. 1 and is subject to confirmation by the Maui County Council.

Justin Herrmann has announced his intent to run for mayor of Maui County.

DISCLAIMER/GRAPHIC CONTENT: Viewer Discretion is advised due to graphic and violent content. Maui police released body worn camera footage and further details, regarding Thursday night’s deadly shooting in which a suspect was killed during an exchange of gunfire with police in Wailuku. Police have since identified the deceased as 40-year-old Kristopher Austin.

The Maui Arts & Cultural Center will present two free public programs this week in conjunction with the Ocean of Peace exhibition, featuring a documentary on deep-sea exploration and an evening of performance art highlighting Micronesian culture.

The nonprofit and its partners laid out a legislative campaign for immigrant justice to advance policies that protect the dignity, safety, and constitutional rights of all Hawaiʻi residents regardless of immigration status.

The Hawai‘i School Facilities Authority is adopting a new digital tool designed to speed up school construction planning and reduce costs.

Hawaiʻi State Federal Credit Union has become the first credit union in Hawaiʻi to implement interactive teller technology at every branch, completing a systemwide conversion that replaces traditional ATMs with Interactive Teller Machines.

Coach Soichi Sakamoto Pool at the War Memorial Complex will be temporarily closed on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, due to a scheduled power shutdown required for the ongoing construction work at the complex gymnasium, announced the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation.

Akakū Maui Community Media will open its 2026 Akakū Upstairs Salon Series with a film discussion focused on the top movies of 2025, presented in collaboration with the Hawaiʻi Film Critics Society.

Kīlauea is not erupting following the end of yesterday’s lava fountaining episode, according to a 9:14 a.m. Tuesday update from the US Geological Survey.

Valley Isle Little League hosted Maui’s first Girls Little League clinic, bringing together more than 100 young athletes for a special day of instruction, community and empowerment — powered by Sonic Drive-In. The event took place at King Kekaulike High School, marking a milestone for softball on the island.

Maui County Federal Credit Union announced the reopening of its Lahaina Branch at 270 Lahainaluna Road on Jan. 12, 2026, marking a meaningful return to its home in Lahaina. Its temporary location at the Fairway Shops in Kāʻanapali at 2580 Kekaʻa Drive, Suite 117, closes permanently on Jan. 9, 2026.

In recognition of Poverty Awareness Month, Child & Family Service highlights the wide range of programs and services available across Hawaiʻi to help individuals and families address financial hardship and build long-term stability.

Maui Business Brainstormers hosted Celebrating Maui’s Mentors: A Luncheon of Gratitude & Community on Jan. 6, 2026 at Heritage Hall, bringing together Maui’s volunteer mentors and program facilitators for an afternoon of recognition, connection, and aloha.

Employees, physicians, and auxiliary volunteers from Maui Health once again turned the holidays into a season of giving, coming together to support 30 families from communities throughout Maui through the Adopt-A-Family program in partnership with Maui Family Support Services.

Maui Economic Opportunity will be undergoing a leadership transition in 2026 with Debbie Cabebe retiring as the seventh chief executive in the 61-year-old Maui County nonprofit’s history and Maggie Clark Batangan succeeding her as the eighth leader beginning Aug. 1.