Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou from Maui!

While much of the mainland is bundled up in snow, rain, and gray skies, January on Maui brings warm ocean breezes, soft sunshine, and the kind of winter that feels like a deep exhale.

As we begin 2026, Maui continues to move forward with both resilience and realism. Tourism saw a solid start in 2025, though growth has flattened as international travel declined and the recent government shutdown softened demand. Visitor spending remains strong even as arrivals have only modestly increased, reflecting the rising costs of travel, lodging, insurance, and goods across the island. Maui is not alone in this, and economists are now forecasting a mild recession ahead in 2026.

There is meaningful progress to celebrate as well. Maui County recently reached a major recovery milestone with the completion of the 100th rebuilt structure in the wildfire affected areas of Lahaina and Kula. We also saw Lahaina Harbor reopen for limited commercial boat activity, a small but hopeful sign that life is gradually returning to the shoreline.

Housing remains one of Maui’s greatest challenges. Bill 9 did pass this month, and while its impacts will unfold over time, we share more details below so you can stay informed and prepared.

We wish you a balmy, peaceful January from paradise. Mahalo for your continued support of Maui, and we look forward to welcoming you soon.

Safe Travels,
Tiffany

Tiffany Rose, Publisher, Maui Accommodations Guide

Maui County Council Votes to Phase Out a Portion of Vacation Rentals

Maui County Council recently passed Bill 9, which begins a long-term phase out of certain apartment-zoned vacation rentals. The plan includes a 3 year transition period for West Maui and a 5 year transition period for South Maui, allowing properties on the Minatoya list to either move into a new zoning designation or convert to long-term housing as part of efforts to address the island’s housing crisis.

No rentals have been removed immediately. The Council’s Temporary Investigative Group has recommended that roughly 4,500 of the approximate 6,100 properties on the Minatoya list transition into newly proposed hotel zoning categories, H3 and H4 (which have not yet been created), to continue to operate as short-term rentals. Most resort-zoned condos and hotels are not affected, and travelers with upcoming trips in the next few years can feel confident that existing reservations remain safe. 

Sergio’s Cantina Bar Truck Opens Lahaina

Lahaina Cannery is welcoming Sergio’s new Cantina Bar Truck, bringing cold beer, tequila-forward cocktails, and live music back to Front Street. The bar will soft open Dec. 12, with a grand opening on Dec. 14, plus daily happy hours and Pau Hana specials alongside the Cannery’s popular food trucks. Designed as a relaxed, local-focused hangout, it’s a new spot for the community to eat, drink, and unwind. Photo Credit: Lahaina Cannery via Instagram

South Maui Beach Parking Program Starts 2026

Maui County will roll out the Park Maui beach parking program in South Maui in early 2026, starting at Kama‘ole Beach Parks I, II, and III. Out-of-state visitors will pay $10 per day to park, while Hawaiʻi residents park free and receive priority access on weekends and holidays, with funds supporting park maintenance and safety improvements. Photo Credit: HJI / ROB COLLIAS via MauiNow

Do You Need a Car on Maui? A Traveler’s Guide to Getting Around

Deciding if you need a car on Maui depends on how you plan to spend your trip. Travelers who want flexibility, plan to explore remote areas, or are staying outside walkable resort zones will benefit from a rental car, while those based in places like Wailea or Ka'anapali may get by without one. Guided tours, shuttles, rideshares, and limited public transit offer alternatives, especially for visitors focused on relaxing.

Accommodations Near Maui’s Top Wedding Venues

Choosing where to stay for a Maui destination wedding can shape everything from wedding-day logistics to guest experience and photography. This guide explains why staying close to your venue reduces stress, highlights popular wedding locations across Wailea, Kihei, and West Maui, and shares nearby accommodations to match different budgets and group sizes. Photo Credit: Karma Hill

**NEW LISTING** Kihei Banyan Condos

Staying at Kihei Banyan Condos means enjoying a relaxed, walkable South Maui getaway just minutes from the beach, shops, and restaurants. Guests can choose from a studio, 1-bedroom 1-bath condo, or combine both units into a spacious 2-bedroom setup, with the one-bedroom featuring a king bed, full kitchen, and private lanai, while the studio offers a king bed, kitchenette, and walk-in shower. Located steps from the resort pool and BBQ area, this condo is an easy, comfortable home base for enjoying Kihei.

Hawaii Words and Phrases

English is the primary language spoken in Hawaiʻi, but visitors will also hear ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and Hawaiian Pidgin throughout daily life, from signs to casual conversation. While visitors aren’t expected to speak either, learning a few Hawaiian words like aloha and mahalo is a respectful gesture. Pidgin, rooted in plantation-era history, is best appreciated by listening rather than trying to speak it.

All About SeaGlass Villa 810 at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

SeaGlass Villa 810 at Andaz Maui offers the rare feeling of having a private luxury retreat with all the comforts and amenities of one of Wailea’s most celebrated resorts just beyond your garden gate. This 3-bedroom, 4-bath villa blends spacious en-suite bedrooms, a chef-ready kitchen, and a lush private yard with a fire pit, creating an easy flow between indoor comfort and outdoor island living. Spend your days steps from the pools and Mokapu Beach, then unwind back at the villa with resort dining, spa access, and sunset strolls.

January Hot Picks: Best Places to Stay on Maui this Winter

January is a favorite time to visit Maui, with warm temperatures, refreshing breezes, and fewer crowds than peak holiday weeks. This month's hot picks highlights winter-friendly places to stay across East, South, Central, and West Maui, from lush Hana retreats to sunny Kihei condos and resort-style Wailea villas. Each pick emphasizes comfort, location, and value, with plenty of book-direct options for a relaxed winter escape.