Maui News

PBS Frontline’s new documentary, “Maui’s Deadly Firestorm,” a year-long investigation into the devastating August 2023 wildfire that claimed 102 lives and destroyed the historic town of Lahaina in Maui, Hawaiʻi. The film explores the causes of the deadliest American wildfire in a century and the missed warnings that made it so unstoppable.

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kāʻanapali kicked off the holiday season with its Spirit of the Season event last week with festive entertainment, delicious treats, and a tropical winter wonderland ambiance.

All are invited to kick off the holiday season at Duke’s Beach House Maui with a concert featuring GRAMMY-nominated, 21-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Henry Kapono and two artists from Henry Kapono Foundation’s On The Rise Program, Arlie-Avery Asiu and Nāmakaokalani Pauole. The live music event paired with dining, cocktails and views of Kāʻanapali’s North Beach, is set for Friday, Dec. 20, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Japanese cooking connoisseur Naoko Moller will lead Zen dining workshops at 4 and 6:30 p.m. Jan. 11 at Kahului Jodo Mission, located at 325 Lāʻau St. Visit jcsmaui.org to register.

Maria Lanakila Catholic Church reopened last week in downtown Lahaina, resplendent in white Christmas lights and even capped by a three-quarter moon high over its spire in the West Maui night sky.

“Every year, the GIA process highlights the Legislature’s commitment to aiding eligible organizations and nonprofits that are leading publicly funded programs, making a positive impact and doing exceptional work in our communities,” said House Committee on Finance Chair Kyle T. Yamashita (House District 12, Upcountry Maui).

Grow Some Good has welcomed Casey Findtner as its new development director.

US Sens. Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Ed Markey (D-MA) introduced the Public Archives Resiliency Act, legislation that would authorize grants to promote preservation, climate resilience, adaption, and continuity of vital government records and protect other records of historical or cultural significance.

A new study shows some evidence that catch rates increase near large-scale marine protected areas, providing economic benefits to nearby fishing vessels.

The Hawaiian Music Series for December presents a performance by accomplished musician Ron Kualaʻau and his talented granddaughter Pelekila. This free concert will take place on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the Ocean Lawn at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in Kāʻanapali. Ron Kualaʻau is widely admired for his […]

The Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort has announced a collaboration with trending brand PopUp Bagels as part of its holiday programming this year. 

The nonprofit Maui Arts League, best known for hosting Maui Plein Air Painting Invitationals, an annual 7-day community art event held in Lahaina before the COVID-19 pandemic, has announced new leadership to continue driving forward its visual fine arts mission.

Hale Kau Kau has announced it will provide free Christmas meals at St. Theresa Church on Wednesday, Dec. 25, from noon to 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

The College of Social Sciences at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, in partnership with the Office of Wellness and Resilience in the Office of the Governor, launched the 2024 Hawaiʻi Quality of Life and Well-Being Dashboard, Dec. 10. Surveying more than 8,000 residents statewide, the dashboard provides an in-depth look at pressing social, economic and health issues affecting Hawaiʻi’s residents.

The focus has now shifted to commercial debris removal. Currently, all but eight commercial properties in Lahaina have been cleared and completed. All commercial properties are projected to be completed by early 2025.  

Hawaiian Electric will be installing power line markers also known as bird diverters on its electrical infrastructure using unmanned aircrafts, or drones, in the Launiupoko, West Maui area starting as early as Dec. 15 to Dec. 21, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and weather permitting. Electric service will not be impacted.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health announced the first influenza-associated death in a Hawaiʻi resident under the age of 18 during this influenza, or flu season.

St. Anthony School in Wailuku will be holding a meeting on campus for all alumni and supporters of the school on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Members of the school board will be providing an update and the formation of an alumni association will be discussed. The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in the Flex Center (former library).   

A search is underway for three inmates who allegedly escaped from the Hawaiʻi Community Correctional Center Hale Nani Facility, 3200 Kanoelehua Ave. in Hilo at approximately 4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. 

Maui Mall Village is celebrating the holiday season with a series of festive events and activities designed to spread joy and support the local community. One of the most significant efforts this year is the Season of Giving: A Holiday Food Drive, in partnership with the Maui Food Bank.