Maui News

Arc of Maui County brought big smiles and even bigger hearts together this Valentine’s Day at its annual celebration for the IDD community–individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The nonprofit, which has been supporting the community for more than 70 years spreading love and connection by bringing together more than 160 attendees for an afternoon filled with laughter, dance, sweet treats, crafts, community connection and lots of love.

This collaboration brings together two mission-driven organizations committed to reducing cat overpopulation in Hawaiʻi through ethical rescue practices, accessible veterinary care, and community education.

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researchers identified 10 new species and seven new groups of Hawaiian leaf-roller moths. While new species are frequently discovered, the description of a new genus of insects is a much rarer event; seven groups at once is almost unheard of.

As part of the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education’s continued commitment to farm-to-school initiatives and student wellness, the mandarins have been available to school distributors since January, following Mahi Pono’s first commercial harvest of the Hawaiʻi-grown crop. Mahi Pono’s mandarins will be available to schools statewide throughout the spring harvest season.

The County of Maui Department of ʻŌiwi Resources is awarding funding to 11 local projects through the competitive County of Maui grants program.  

An eight-week, intensive, hands-on carpentry pre-apprenticeship program is available at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College, free of charge.

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation is conducting a public informational meeting to present the ongoing planning studies for the reconstruction of Runway 2-20 at Kahului Airport.

Maui Preparatory Academy proudly presents Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. This vibrant, 60-minute musical adaptation of the Pixar classic is making a splash at the Bozich Center, March 6-8, 2026.

The County of Maui Office of Economic Development is encouraging Maui County businesses to participate in the Maui Nui Business Health Check, a countywide survey focused on understanding current business conditions and identifying opportunities that support recovery, stability and long-term growth. 

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has selected AEA Consulting, an internationally recognized firm specializing in cultural strategy and planning, to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for the development of a Native Hawaiian Cultural Center in Kakaʻako Makai — a project rooted in community, culture, and the revitalization of Native Hawaiian presence in urban Honolulu.

First Hawaiian, Inc. announced today that Alan Arizumi, vice chairman of First Hawaiian, Inc. and First Hawaiian Bank, will retire effective April 3, 2026, following more than 40 years of service. Executive Vice President Michael Tottori will assume responsibility for the Wealth Management Group and join the Senior Management Committee.

Mākena Golf & Beach Club is now accepting applications for the Aloha Mākena Endowed Scholarship, an annual opportunity for local students to earn much-needed educational funding while pursuing a degree or certificate at any University of Hawai‘i campus. With nine awards given since its inception in 2018, the scholarship has become a meaningful way to invest in the educational journeys of Hawaiʻi’s students.

Tobi’s Poke & Shave Ice has officially opened its doors at 1819 South Kīhei Road in the Kukui Mall next to Starbucks, bringing fresh island flavors and laid-back energy to South Maui.

The Hawaiʻi Ag & Culinary Alliance and the Food and Product Innovation Network are hosting the inaugural Food and Product Innovation Network Day at the Capitol, a convening of exhibitors, partners and stakeholders to highlight the collective impact of Hawai‘i’s food and product innovation ecosystem.

Hawaii Water Service is moving forward with a feasibility study for a decentralized wastewater treatment plant in Kapalua that would produce recycled water and give the community a drought-resistant supply of irrigation water.

Along north facing shores, surf is peaking at 20 to 30 feet this morning before slowly declining late this afternoon. Along east facing shores, surf is peaking at 14 to 18 feet this morning before slowly declining late this afternoon.

Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation by reducing single-use plastics throughout the Resort with a new on-site, closed-loop water bottling and filtration system.

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation advises travelers that, due to the ongoing partial federal government shutdown, the US Department of Homeland Security has suspended Global Entry for arriving international passengers.

Maui Health employees and their families joined Mauliola Pharmacy and Nohona Health for an ʻolena harvest in Waikapū, gathering more than 70 pounds of fresh ʻolena earlier this month.

Maui Prep won the boys’ crown, while their West Maui rival, Lahainaluna, took the girls’ division at the first Maui Interscholastic League surf contest of the season, Saturday at D.T. Fleming Beach Park.