Maui News

Hurricane Lowell continues on a path WNW, with a northward turn expected on Sunday. A Hurricane Watch has been issued for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument from Nīhoa to French Frigate Shoals; and a Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Kauaʻi County, including the islands of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.

While the response has been significant, more donations are needed to help fill the 40-foot shipping container that will carry the supplies to Hawaiʻi Island. The County of Maui is asking the community to keep the donations coming when the drive continues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center.

A nonpartisan candidate forum featuring candidates running for mayoral and contested county council seats will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the Kula Community Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the formal program runs from 6 to 8 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. The forum will be live streamed by Akakū.

On Molokaʻi, crews are working on planning and design for culvert replacement at Keawanui Gulch along Kamehameha V Highway. This work is estimated to begin in early September. The contractor will begin this culvert replacement work at the same time as culvert replacement along Maunaloa Highway at Kākalahale Stream.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health offers free breast and cervical cancer screenings through the Hawaiʻi Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program to women who meet age, income and insurance requirements.

Four steps that you can take to be better prepared for any disaster include: learning what hazards can affect you and when, making an emergency plan, building an emergency supply kit (go bag), and getting involved in your community.

County of Maui offices, facilities and services will be closed or modified on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, for the Labor Day holiday.

The four-day training, attended by both Maui firefighters and community volunteers, covered wildfire and home ignition fundamentals, homeowner engagement and communication, HWMO’s home assessment process and software, and included classroom sessions as well as extensive hands-on field practice.

Hurricane Lowell is forecast to move close to Kauaʻi County Monday night as a category 2 to 3 hurricane.

The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division is calling for donations and community partnerships to help replenish Hawaiʻi Island food pantries across its Hilo, Honokaʻa, and Kona corps, where shortages are being reported alongside greater needs following Hurricane Lala.

Maui Kupono Builders LLC in conjunction with the County of Maui Department of Public Works, will continue road reconstruction work on Makawao Avenue, continuing from Makani Road and through to Eddie Tam entrance.

An estimated half acre of brush burned in an area between East Līpoa Street and Hale Kūʻai Street in Kīhei on Friday afternoon, Sept. 4, 2026. The fire was reported at around 1:31 p.m., in an area behind multiple businesses.

Two people suffered minor burn injuries and five people were displaced as a result of a home fire in Pukalani, Friday morning, Sept. 4, 2026. Damage estimates are still ongoing.

Maui resident Christopher Steven Helmer, 37, was sentenced today to a 10-year prison term for kidnapping, terroristic threatening, and related firearms and drug offenses, with the term ordered to run consecutively to a prison sentence he is already serving for a separate armed carjacking.

The critical updates will help families throughout the state, including Hawaiʻi County, who experienced food loss because of impacts from Hurricane/Tropical Storm Lala.

Hawaiʻi leaders joined to provide an update on Category 4 Hurricane Lowell and preparations for possible impacts to Hawaiʻi, particularly Kauaʻi and Ni‘ihau.

Following a successful return last year that drew more than 100 entries, the Maui Fiber Arts Show will return Oct. 1-4, 2026, bringing together fiber artists from across Maui County for four days celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, tradition and community.

The Maui Chamber of Commerce is reminding community members that nominations are open for the 2026 Mayor’s Small Business Awards, with nominations due Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. Nominations are being accepted for businesses, nonprofits, or individuals who are making a difference in Maui County.

(Update: 5 p.m., Friday, Sept. 4, 2026) Hurricane Lowell regained category 5 strength Friday afternoon. Watches could be required for portions of the westernmost Hawaiian Islands on Saturday.

Maui County’s housing market saw increased sales activity in August, with closed sales rising for both single-family homes and condominiums compared to the same month last year, while median sales prices declined, according to the REALTORS Association of Maui. In August, 64 homes sold for a median price of $1.2 million, while 68 condo unit sold for a median of $564,950.