Maui News
Haleakalā nonprofit offers $6,000 in conservation scholarships
The Friends of Haleakalā National Park is accepting applications for three $2,000 scholarships aimed at Maui County students pursuing careers in biology, ecology or conservation.
State Health Department continues response to impacts from kona lows
Department will conduct precautionary sampling and testing of nearshore waters — as well as flood-carried mud and sediment — to understand contaminant levels in the environment; personnel also actively monitoring mosquito populations and taking targeted action in impacted areas.
Sanctuary Ocean Count, Great Whale Count conclude for 2026 koholā season
Citizen scientists on Hawai’i Island observed 37 humpback whales March 28; a total of 435 whales were observed from shorelines at 37 sites throughout the islands.
Global recognition for University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa: 14 programs shine in new rankings
“These rankings highlight the exceptional work and commitment of our faculty, students and staff,” said University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis Syrmos in a university release. “They showcase the university’s global standing and reinforce that [University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa] offers outstanding educational opportunities and experiences for both our local community and those joining us from around the world.”
Walmart Foundation commits up to $250,000 in grants for Hawaiʻi disaster relief
The Walmart Foundation highlighted relief efforts in Kahului and on Molokaʻi in announcing a commitment on Friday of up to $250,000 in grants to Hawaiʻi Community Foundation and Lāhui Foundation to support disaster relief and long-term recovery across Hawaiʻi.
Update: Kīhei Charter School to host 9th annual Hawaiian lūʻau fundraiser, April 25
Due to the storm the Kīhei Charter School Lūʻau has been rescheduled from April 11 to Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Lahaina Community Meeting to cover plans for a new Lahaina community center, Hoʻokumu Hou updates, kona storm impacts
Residents are encouraged to attend the monthly County of Maui Lahaina Community Meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Lahaina Intermediate School cafeteria.
Hawaiʻi State Judiciary warns public about traffic citation text scam
The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary is warning the public about a new wave of scam text messages falsely claiming to come from the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary and alleging that recipients have unpaid traffic fines.
Recovering Green Sea Turtles prompt new dialogue on culture and sustainability
Now, as green sea turtle populations recover, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is advancing a conversation that many island leaders say is long overdue: what recovery could mean not only for conservation, but also for the possible return of cultural stewardship and sustainable use in the Western Pacific.
AARP report: Economic value of family caregiving in Hawaiʻi reaches $4.9B annually
Hawai‘i’s family caregivers now provide $4.9 billion worth of labor each year, according to a new AARP report. Most of this work is unpaid, yet it forms the backbone of the nation’s long-term care system that is essential to helping millions of older adults live independently at home.
Survey: Most Americans eye Hawaiʻi as international travel alternative
Recent global events led two-thirds of American travelers to reconsider international trips, with 85% identifying Hawaiʻi as their top domestic alternative, according to a survey released by Hawaii.com.
Maui Brewers Festival tickets go on sale for May 16 fundraiser
Tickets for the 15th annual Maui Brewers Festival are on sale online as the Maui Arts & Cultural Center prepares for its signature fundraiser featuring more than 50 craft brews.
Nonprofit humanitarian group, CORE mobilizes support following Hawaiʻi floods
Hawaiʻi is experiencing its worst flooding in over 20 years – and CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) is mobilizing to support vulnerable communities impacted, particularly across Oʻahu’s North Shore, including Waialua, Haleʻiwa, and Lāʻie.
‘They carry a meaningful message’: State legislators give back through Easter basket tradition
Donations collected during the 27th annual drive come at a particularly important time following the two kona lows that slammed into the state during the past 2 weeks and will help support organizations on the front lines responding to increased needs.
Astronomers put new spin on how planets form through largest survey of exoplanets using Big Island observatory
‘Spin is a fossil record of how a planet formed,’ said study lead author and researcher at Northwestern University Dino Chih-Chun Hsu in an announcement about the discovery. ‘By measuring how quickly these worlds rotate, we can start to piece together the physical processes that shaped them tens to hundreds of millions of years ago.’
Volcano Watch — Taking Kīlauea’s Temperature
Geochemical analysis of erupted tephra samples over the past decade help scientists understand the temperature of Kīlauea’s shallow magma system under the summit—and things have been “heating up.”
Upcountry community meeting on Kona storm impacts draws 100+ attendees
The Upcountry community meeting Thursday hosted by Mayor Richard Bissen to discuss the impacts of the recent Kona storms drew more than 100 attendees.
Partial Puʻunēnē Avenue closure announced for traffic signal programming
The closure will be nightly from 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. the next day on Monday, March 30 and Tuesday, March 31. The last closure will open at 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1.
Island Energy Services challenges Hawaiʻi customers to help raise $100,000 for American Red Cross disaster relief
Island Energy Services has increased its American Red Cross fundraising match from $20,000 to $50,000, with a goal of raising a combined $100,000 for disaster relief efforts across Hawaiʻi.
County’s Office of Recovery evolves to lead recovery efforts from recent storms
Established by Mayor Richard Bissen in the wake of the 2023 Maui wildfires, the County of Maui Office of Recovery is taking on the County’s long-term recovery efforts from subsequent emergencies and natural disasters, such as the recent kona storms.









