News

Maui Chamber to host economic update and SBA awards May 8

Local News April 30, 2026

The Maui Chamber of Commerce will host the Hawaii Economic Update Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 8 at the King Kamehameha Golf Club. The event marks the first time Maui will host the Hawaii Statewide SBA Awards, which will honor 22 small businesses from across the islands for innovation and leadership. Following the awards, economist Paul Brewbaker will provide a data-driven outlook on the state’s economy and its impact on local business planning and resilience. Tickets and sponsorships are available at MauiChamber.com or by calling (808) 244-0081.

Lei Day coming to Wailuku First Friday

Local News April 30, 2026

Wailuku First Friday will celebrate Lei Day from 6 to 9 p.m. May 1 on Market Street. The free event features lei-making, local vendors, food and live entertainment. The Market Street stage will host Ma‘awe from 6 to 7:30 p.m., followed by Kaina Kountry from 7:45 to 9 p.m. At the Wailuku Garage, attendees can participate in free lei-making while DJ Z performs. Market Street will close to vehicles at 5:30 p.m. Free parking is available after 6 p.m. at the Wailuku Municipal Parking Garage, with access via Church Street. Vehicles remaining on Market Street after the closure will be ...

Report: MEO aided nearly 55,000 Maui County residents in 2024-25

Local News April 30, 2026

Maui Economic Opportunity assisted 54,780 Maui County residents from Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025, according to the agency’s annual report. The nonprofit agency reported providing 266,400 rides through its Maui Bus paratransit and human services transportation programs, while also supporting 7,560 survivors of the 2023 wildfires. MEO also assisted 1,389 residents with housing stability and 1,347 youth were served through programs aimed at preventing risky behavior and building leadership skills. MEO operated on a $37 million budget during the fiscal year, with funding ...

Maui kidney donor shares story hoping to inspire others

Local News April 30, 2026

When Maui resident Rachel Bennett Steury gave away one of her kidneys to save the life of a person she had never met before, she felt like she was helping a larger movement. “I understand looking back at it that this isn’t something that everyone chooses to do,” she said. “It just ...

Author Alana Kysar to hold book signing in Lahaina

Entertainment April 30, 2026

Maui-based author Alana Kysar will host a book signing May 8 at Hana Hou by Hale Zen in Lahaina to celebrate the release of her new cookbook, “Aloha Veggies.” The event, scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m., is open to the public and will include a meet-and-greet with the author, book signings and ...

Elevate wellness event for women set at Lumeria Maui

Local News April 30, 2026

A women’s wellness event aimed at connection and self-care is scheduled for May 3 at Lumeria Maui. Hosted by the Aloha Ladies Social Club on Maui, “Elevate: A Wellness Experience for Women” will feature gentle movement, sound healing, intention-setting activities and social time in a retreat-style setting. According to founder Shauvon Young, the gathering is intended to create a supportive space for women in the community, especially ahead of Mother’s Day weekend. The Aloha Ladies Social Club is a free community group that connects women on Maui through events and ...