At midway point, Hawaiian ahead in numbers game | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 6:35 AM

KAHULUI — The midway point of the Maui County Hawaiian Canoe Association arrived Saturday with the John M. and Kealoha Lake Regatta at Kahului Harbor. The chess matches that are race-to-race, season-long dramas on the MCHCA’s 48-race slate have hit full stride. For Saturday’s host Hawaiian Canoe Club, the emphasis is always on the Hawaiian […]...

Hana nonprofit acquires more land in mission of preserving East Maui coast | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 6:30 AM

The Maui News A Hana-based nonprofit has completed the purchase of 8.6 acres of Hamoa lands for permanent cultural preservation and stewardship, the latest step in the organization’s long-term plan to preserve 150 acres of East Maui coastal lands. The Hamoa lands are located on Haneoo Road just above Hamoa Beach. In the past they […]...

New owner for Gateway Center | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 6:22 AM

The Lahaina Gateway Center, its tenants including Outback Steakhouse and Barnes & Noble, has a new owner — the lender for the investment trust that purchased the shopping center about a year ago. An affiliate of Torchlight Debt Opportunity Fund, headquartered in New York City, acquired the 136,000-square-foot shopping center and leasehold rights Aug. 1 from TNP Strategic Retail Trust, based in Irvine, Calif., in lieu of foreclosure, according to a TNP news release and Securities and Exchange Commission filings....

Expansion proposed for growing elementary school in West Maui | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 6:21 AM

An $8 million two-level classroom building and outdoor learning area is being proposed for Princess Nahienaena Elementary School to accommodate enrollment growth in West Maui, according to the state Department of Education. In a draft environmental assessment published in the Office of Environmental Quality Control’s “The Environmental Notice” on Friday, the DOE said that the only other Lahaina-area elementary school, King Kamehameha III, does not have any more space to expand and has been sending its overflow students to Princess Nahienaena....

Police Donut Boy | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 5:58 AM

WAILUKU — As happy as they were to receive donuts, police officers were even more appreciative to have the chance to meet an 11-year-old Florida boy on a mission to thank every police officer in the country with a donut. Tyler Carach, who has become known as “The Donut Boy,” wheeled a cart filled with […]...

West Maui businesses hope for boost from tourism’s return | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 5:53 AM

HONOKOWAI — Sitting behind the counter at her quiet 808 Boards surf and skate shop in Honokowai Thursday morning, Crystal Mitchell said she could be working instead on her insurance claims for the home she lost in the Aug. 8 Lahaina fire.  Normally the shop, which also rents out paddleboards, surfboards and other beach gear, […]...

Reef fish are living connections to Hawaii’s culture and past | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 5:44 AM

In the vast Pacific Ocean, Hawaii’s coral reefs reign as one of nature’s greatest marvels, home to some of the world’s most unique marine animals. Beneath the waves where earth-toned corals are muted in color, the vibrancy is brought to life through its reef fish. These families of reef fish are more than ecologically significant; […]...

Side Orders • February 7, 2019 | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 4:55 AM

FOOD FOR THOUGHT . . . While the restaurant has been open since August in the old Antonio’s, it just started a new lunch service in addition to dinners. I’m talking about Tanpopo Dandelion near Long’s Drugs in Kihei. “We closed Antonio’s last May,” says Chef-owner Kono Akao, who also ran that restaurant and the […]...

Maui Veterans Cemetery is expanding | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 4:54 AM

MAKAWAO — Two construction projects to expand the Maui Veterans Cemetery in Makawao and add a memorial wall are expected to be completed by the end of this year or early 2022, the state Office of Veterans’ Services said this week. The $5.7 million cemetery expansion and improvements project is scheduled to be completed around […]...

4 residential zones near Front Street to reopen next week | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 4:53 AM

The Maui News Four residential zones of Lahaina near Front Street and the former Outlets of Maui will reopen to residents and property owners next week, Maui County announced Thursday. Restrictions will be lifted from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday and Tuesday for Zones 7B, 7C, 7D and 7E, which include Kenui Place, Kenui […]...

Kula residents wonder when water will be safe | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 4:41 AM

KULA — Isa Shipley is among the many people Upcountry asking when the water will be safe to drink again. The chief operating officer of Kula Lodge shouted out the question during a standing-room only meeting on Thursday night, pointing out that she’s had to temporarily lay off 68 employees this week at her business, […]...

Film Festival set for MACC Oct. 27-29 | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 4:30 AM

The Hawai‘i International Film Festival will return to the Maui Arts & Cultural Center with six feature films, a program of six short films and a showcase of four documentaries at the end of this month. The screenings will be from Oct. 27 to 29 in the MACC’s McCoy Studio Theater. Tickets for the HIFF […]...

Layne Silva tapped as new county liquor director | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 4:28 AM

Despite a monthslong search that included the vetting of candidates from outside Maui County, the Liquor Control Commission chose to stay in-house and settled on longtime liquor control officer Layne Silva — the son of a past director — to head the department. The commission voted 5-3 Tuesday to name Silva as successor to Glenn […]...

Two killed in rear-end collision on North Kihei Road | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 4:24 AM

The Maui News Two people who were asleep in a parked car were killed when a pickup truck drifted onto the shoulder of North Kihei Road and rear-ended the vehicle early Sunday morning, according to the Maui Police Department. Preliminary investigation reveals a 2020 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck was traveling southeast on North Kihei Road, […]...

Maui’s 1991 brush with totality a bust | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 4:18 AM

Twenty-six years ago, the total eclipse on Maui was a bust. On July 11, 1991, it was cloudy in Kaupo, on Maui’s southeast side, which was in the path of totality. The weather frustrated scientists atop of Haleakala. Maui residents and visitors all over the island were disappointed when cloudy skies blocked views of the […]...

Court cuts East Maui water diversions again | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 4:09 AM

The state’s Environmental Court has lowered the amount of water that Alexander & Baldwin and East Maui Irrigation can take from East Maui streams by about 9 million gallons per day, the latest decision in a longstanding battle over diverted water for farming and other uses. Under the ruling, A&B and EMI’s allocation drops from […]...

Kula Country prepares for pumpkin season | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 4:04 AM

Kula Country Farms staffer Tom Koch paints a section of bandstand Thursday while preparing for the upcoming Pumpkin Patch. The popular annual event at the farm on Kula Highway is set to run the month of October. Koch said he didn’t know how many pumpkins are currently growing at the farm other than that there […]...

Tamura’s makes donation | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 3:46 AM

Kalama Intermediate School recently received a donation of disposable face masks and hand sanitizer from Glenn Tamura, owner of Tamura’s Fine Wine & Liquors on Maui, the school said. School maintenance lead Brenda Waikiki (left) recently received the donation from Tamura’s Wailuku store Manager Francis Smythe....

Clinic with Olympic gold medalist Rogers highlights AVA’s Give-Back Weekend | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 3:19 AM

The Maui News Local youngsters got the special opportunity to work with an Olympic gold medalist over the weekend as the Aloha Volleyball Association held its Give-Back Weekend at Kanaha Beach Park in Kahului and at Seabury Hall in Olinda. Todd Rogers, who won the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in beach volleyball, […]...

MHS alumnus part of rescue dog show | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 2:46 AM

Boogie, an alumnus of Maui Humane Society, competed in the “2020 American Rescue Dog Show” on Feb. 17 on the Hallmark Channel. The show, now in its third year, focuses the spotlight on dogs adopted from shelters and rescue organizations. Boogie competed in the Best in Underbite category along with six other competitors from across […]...

Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 2:40 AM

I’ve said it before and I’ll be happy to say it again. “Run, don’t walk to Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante,” the award-winning Italian hot spot perched on an oceanfront bluff above Wailea Beach. Every single bite on a recent visit was off the charts in taste, presentation, texture and aroma — once again. I dined […]...

Green sea turtles enjoy the sun, sand at Hookipa | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 2:25 AM

A family watches as five green sea turtles haul out at Hookipa Beach Park on Friday afternoon. The Haiku end of Hookipa has become a hot spot for turtle watching....

Hoopii-Tuionetoa takes another huge step with solid play, title in Arizona Fall League | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 2:19 AM

He goes by “Bubba” to all who know him, but Anthony Hoopii-Tuionetoa is growing up fast in the Texas Rangers organization. A couple weeks after the parent club won its first World Series crown, the 2018 Baldwin High School graduate was a big part out of the bullpen in helping the Surprise Saguaros capture the […]...

Maui Nei | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 2:01 AM

In the beginning, there was surfing. Hawaiian royalty rode the waves on boards shaped from koa planks. The feat highlighted the athletic prowess of men and women alike and was done for no other reason than it felt good. Fishing and diving could be delightful, but their main purpose was collecting food. Canoes propelled by paddles or sails were for transportation, even if they could provide a thrilling ride on channel waves or on the way to a beach....

Four Maui surfers hit Pipeline for WSL Championship Tour opener | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 1:54 AM

Maui’s Jackson Bunch (first photo) and Eli Hanneman (second photo) compete during the opening round of the Lexus Pipe Pro, the first stop on the World Surf League Championship Tour, on Wednesday at the Banzai Pipeline on Oahu’s North Shore. Bunch, a wild-card entry into the event, won his heat with a two-wave total of […]...

Former Maui resident calls Tony win ‘incredible’ | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 1:40 AM

Dennis and Mona Jones, longtime owners of Alive and Well, could not have been more proud of their daughter’s journey to the pinnacle of show business. After 30 years of performing on Maui and in Texas, Florida and New York, Rachel Bay Jones captured her first Tony Award for the Broadway smash-hit musical “Dear Evan […]...

The Maui News 2022 MIL Boys Soccer All-Stars | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 1:23 AM

There’s no doubt, the King Kekaulike High School soccer programs — boys and girls — are family affairs in so many ways. Na Alii’s boys may have lost Bailey Hofmann at the tender age of 16, but if he is gone, he will leave a lasting legacy for the Maui Interscholastic League and state champions. […]...

Health Department approves reopening of 808 Grindz Cafe | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 1:08 AM

The Maui News A Lahaina restaurant has been approved to reopen after being forced to close last month due to a cockroach infestation and other violations. The state Department of Health issued a green placard to 808 Grindz Cafe after a follow-up inspection found that all critical food safety violations were corrected, the department said […]...

Maui Humane Society names new CEO | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 12:55 AM

The Maui News A longtime veterinarian who formerly ran the Maui Humane Society’s spay and neuter program is returning to the island to serve as the nonprofit’s new CEO. Dr. Lisa Labrecque will start July 19, the humane society announced Thursday. Labrecque holds a degree in veterinary medicine and has more than 20 years of […]...

Chick-fil-A, Raising Cane’s poised to open first Maui locations next week | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 12:54 AM

The Maui News Two popular restaurant chains specializing in chicken will open next week on Maui, the first location for either franchise on the Valley Isle. Raising Cane’s will open its newly constructed restaurant on Tuesday, the company announced. The restaurant is located at 176 Hookele St. in Kahului and will be open from 10 […]...

Oral history project highlights history of Haleakala National Park | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 12:45 AM

The Maui News A new project is spotlighting the history of Haleakala National Park’s early natural resource management through the voices of the people who have been involved with the park over many years. The oral history interviews are now available at www.nps.gov/hale/learn/historyculture/oral-history.htm. The project is a collaboration between the National Park Service and the […]...

Suspect in officers’ deaths is said to be unhinged | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 12:26 AM

The Associated Press HONOLULU — An Oahu handyman with a history of run-ins with police and neighbors faced eviction when he stabbed a woman and killed two officers before the house he and two women were believed to be inside burned, authorities and neighbors said. Police responding Sunday to a call for help at the […]...

Graduation day for UH students | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 12:25 AM

Graduating students, who received degrees and certificates conferred by the University of Hawaii Maui College and University of Hawaii Manoa and West Oahu, salute their professors and instructors at the behest of commencement speaker, Maui County Mayor Mike Victorino, on Thursday evening on UH-Maui College’s Kahului campus. More than 700 students participated in commencement. Victorino […]...

Haiku man dies after shark encounter at Paia Bay | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 12:17 AM

PAIA (AP) — A surfer died over the weekend after being injured in a shark encounter at Paia Bay, according to the Maui Police Department. The victim was identified as Jason Carter, 39, of Haiku, according to MPD on Monday. At approximately 11:19 a.m. Saturday, Maui police responded to the beach area of 93 Hana […]...

Attorney general urges caution amid suspicious fire fundraisers | News, Sports, Jobs

Tourism Updates April 23rd, 2026 at 12:15 AM

The Maui News Nearly two months after the Maui wildfires, state Attorney General Anne Lopez is urging Hawaii residents to remain watchful for suspicious fundraisers, saying the state continues to receive reports and complaints about organizations soliciting donations for Maui relief efforts that are not registered charities. “Solicitations can come from emails, websites, door-to-door collections, […]...