Following the pandemic and the devastating fires of 2023, Maui’s businesses and residents have shown remarkable strength and perseverance. In the face of unimaginable challenges, local communities have proven invaluable coming together to heal and rebuild the island. For years, the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce has played a pivotal role in connecting Native […]
With deep roots in local history, Wailuku has been significant since before the Hawaiian Kingdom—the nearby ʻĪao Valley was the site of Kamehameha’s infamous Battle of Kepaniwai in 1790, a key turning point in his effort to unify the Hawaiian Islands. Today, this Central Maui town honors its past while embracing new businesses that bring
Tequila lovers are in for a treat at Waikulu Distillery, Hawai‘i’s only producer of blue agave spirits. Located in Makawao, this farm-to-bottle operation began as a horticulture experiment and has grown into an award-winning distillery crafting libations exclusive to Maui. “My plan wasn’t to make it an enormous distillery, just something that could get to
I haven’t reached the 2025 Maui Music & Food Experience yet, but already I can hear the echo of “Paint It Black” reverberating through the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. I ask myself if it’s still considered a cover of the Rolling Stones’ original song when Bernard Fowler—who’s been in the world-renowned rock band
The theater lights dim, a drumbeat ripples through your headphones and the IMAX-style screen bursts to life with stunning footage that takes you from the slopes of Haleakalā to the depths of the Pacific Ocean. Live musicians and dancers blur the line between stage and screen in a fusion of Hawaiian tradition and modern technology.
Spanning just a few blocks, the colorful town of Pāʻia is packed with unique boutiques, surf shops, art galleries and must-try eateries. It’s also just a short walk to Pāʻia Bay, a popular beach for locals, and just a short drive from Hoʻokipa Beach Park, one of the best windsurfing spots in Hawaiʻi. Once a
My first bite of the Kona kampachi crudo bursts with bright citrus, delicate herbaceous notes, and a punch of spice, balanced by the silky richness of avocado purée. Slow-dripped tomato water serves as an homage to Taylor Ponte’s childhood in Upcountry Maui, where he would sip the juice left behind in bowls of lomi lomi
There’s a local saying (at least on the Valley Isle): “Maui nō ka ʻoi,” essentially meaning “Maui is the best.” Of course, I agree—but I’m biased. I’m fortunate to have been born and raised on the island famous for its beautiful beaches, diverse landscapes and rich heritage. Maui is the second-largest island in the Hawaiian
*This story was originally published on Aug. 5, 2021. From her shaded treehouse bakery, Auntie Julia watches the cars roll by. Her establishment is quaint, a small green treehouse perched along Kahekili Highway, located in the hard-to-reach town of Kahakuloa, but her product—succulent loaves of homemade banana bread—is famous. When people ask where the
In the heart of Lahaina, diners could count on savoring bowls of pasta made with quality flour from Italy and seasonal ingredients grown on Maui. For years, Sale Pepe Pizzeria e Cucina was the neighborhood’s go-to spot for celebrating birthdays and anniversaries or just enjoying Italian cuisine. Since the beloved restaurant fell to the Maui
At the foot of Mauna Kahālāwai (the West Maui Mountains) is the town of Wailuku. A little off the beaten path for travelers, downtown Wailuku is a hub for commercial businesses and government entities. But beyond these places, the historic town is home to mom and pop shops that have been around for generations and
Two years after the fire that destroyed Lahaina, recovery is uneven and deeply layered. In some places, residential areas are construction zones; in others, families are back in their homes and returning to normalcy. Local businesses that were once in Lahaina are reopening across the island. Maui County has rolled out housing programs to aid
