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 trades.
Maui police launch murder investigation following fatal stabbing in Kīhei
Maui police have launched a second degree murder investigation into a stabbing incident in Kīhei on Sunday. Upon arrival, officers located an unresponsive 64-year-old Kīhei man inside the residence with apparent stab wounds. Despite performing life-saving measures, the man succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
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.