Maui News
Performing arts advocate scheduled as featured speaker for Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset
Arts advocate Barry Kawakami will discuss “Rebuilding Lahaina through the Power of the Performing Arts” from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 7 during a meeting of the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset meeting. The event will be preceded by a meet-and-greet event at 5 p.m. “Drawing from his personal journey and the work of the […]
New technology detects deadly whale, dolphin diseases
New marine mammal surveillance revolutionizes the response to mass stranding events by allowing immediate, on-site detection.
Applications sought for Maui’s Experimental and Demonstration Housing Projects Fund
The County of Maui Department of Housing is requesting applications from qualified nonprofit organizations for eligible projects under the Experimental and Demonstration Housing Projects Fund to develop select County-owned land. A pre-bid meeting will be held online Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 10 a.m.
‘Just for Fun’ cooking classes at UH Maui College
The University of Hawaiʻi Maui College’s award-winning Culinary Arts Program is offering a series of five “just for fun,” hands-on cooking classes, beginning on Saturday, April 11.
County DPR closures tied to storm damages available on webpage
Ongoing, long-term DPR closures due to severe damage include Kula Gym in Upcountry, Ukumehame Firing Range in West Maui, Kalepolepo Park and Kamaʻole Beach Park II in South Maui and Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens in Central Maui.
Aloha House Mental Health Office opening and blessing
Aloha House staff, board members and supporters came together on March 24 for a blessing ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new Maui Counseling Group offices at the Wākea Gardens office complex in Kahului. The blessing ceremony was conducted by Kahu Wayne Higa of Kaʻahumanu Church.
Hawaiʻi Community Lending revives Kānaka Anti-Displacement Fund after storms
Initially created to address the needs of the Leialiʻi community in Lahaina after the August 2023 fire, the Kānaka Anti-Displacement Fund aims to preserve the security of Native Hawaiian households on Hawaiian Home Lands, helping them achieve generational housing stability.
Hawaiʻi’s first-ever Youth Apprenticeship in creative media launches with $200,000 grant from Harold K. L. Castle Foundation
ʻEwalu Industries has been awarded $200,000 from Harold K. L. Castle Foundation to support the CREATE Hawaiʻi (Creative Routes Empowering Apprentices Toward Employment) Youth Apprenticeship, a workforce initiative preparing high school students for careers in creative media and storytelling.
Maui visitor arrivals and spending climb in February
Maui welcomed 223,227 visitors in February, an 11.5% increase over the same month last year as the island’s tourism industry continues its recovery 2 1/2 years after the Lahaina and Upcountry wildfires.
As floods compound Maui’s ongoing recovery, Maui United Way activates Maui Nui Emergency Fund
As Maui County faces renewed impacts from severe flooding following the devastating 2023 wildfires, Maui United Way (MUW) has activated its Maui Nui Resilience and Emergency Response Fund, a flexible funding mechanism designed to support both immediate response and long-term recovery efforts across Maui and Molokaʻi.
Construction Industry of Maui invests $44,000 in UH Maui College trades program
The Construction Industry of Maui is doubling down on the island’s future, announcing a $44,000 donation to University of Hawai‘i Maui College to fund 12 scholarships for students in the construction vocational program. The funds were raised during organization’s annual golf tournament, and are aimed at removing financial barriers for students pursuing careers in skilled […]
Update: Maui police launch murder investigation following fatal stabbing in Kīhei; victim identified
Maui police have since identified the victim in Sunday’s fatal stabbing incident as James Moser, 64, of Kīhei. The Maui Police Department extended condolences to Moser’s family and friends.
Temporary closures scheduled at County ballfields, pools
Temporary closures are scheduled at several County of Maui ballfields and pools. Softball fields 2 and 3 and soccer field 5 at Keōpūolani Regional Park will be closed while lighting fixtures are replaced starting Wednesday, April 1, through Aug. 26, 2026. All County pools will close from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2026, for pool guard in-service training.
ʻŌhiʻa restrictions for Merrie Monarch travelers
The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity is reminding travelers attending the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo next week that quarantine restrictions remain on the transport of ʻōhiʻa from Hawai‘i Island due to the fungal plant disease, rapid ʻōhiʻa death, which is devastating to native forests. The Merrie Monarch Festival takes place from April 5 – 11.
County of Maui offices to be closed for Good Friday holiday
County of Maui offices, facilities and services will be closed or modified on Good Friday, April 3, 2026.
Deadline extended to April 16 for Maui Matsuri Art Contest
The deadline to submit artwork for the annual Maui Matsuri Art Contest has been extended to April 16. The Maui Matsuri Art Contest – sponsored by HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts Maui – is for eligible students who can win up to $100 in cash prizes.
Groundbreaking held for Olowalu Fire Station, additional funding needed for completion
“For years, the Olowalu area has faced a critical gap in emergency response coverage. When seconds matter most, distance can mean the difference between life and death. This new fire station will change that reality. Once completed, it will allow our firefighters to respond to emergencies in this region at least 15 minutes faster than from the nearest station in Lahaina. That is not just an improvement—that is lifesaving,” said Chief Bradford Ventura.
Public access restricted at Kapaʻakea Cemetery following storm damage
The County of Maui Department of Public Works is restricting general public access to Kapaʻakea Cemetery in Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi, following significant impacts from the March 2026 kona low storms.
Coach Soichi Sakamoto Pool in Wailuku to close half-day on Thursday
Coach Soichi Sakamoto Pool in Wailuku will close from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, April 2, 2026, for pool guard recruitment testing, according to the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation.
UH Hilo astronomer studies galaxy collision, explains what it means for our own Milky Way
The research reveals that the collision, which began 440 million years ago, has ignited star formation up to 10 times the normal rate while dramatically scrambling the chemical composition across both galaxies.
