Fuel Prices, Perception, and the Systems We Depend On
In Kihei, fuel prices feel personal because energy touches everything from shipping to daily cost of living. But when U.S. gas prices are compared globally, Americans still pay less than
Economy
On Maui, Tipping Is Not a Bonus — It Is Wage Replacement
On Maui, many service workers are paid below living wages because tips are expected to fill the gap. Tipping on Maui is wage replacement, not a bonus.
More Hotels for Maui
At a time when Maui needs more homes, affordable housing, and a stronger local economy, the island is building more hotels. This long-form article examines why that trend should raise
Who Stands to Gain From Bill 9?
Bill 9 will phase out thousands of Minatoya-listed vacation rentals across Maui. Who stands to gain from that shift? Why does the hotel industry have the strongest incentive—and how do
Financialization and Land Consolidation in Hawaiʻi
An explainer on how financialization and institutional land consolidation are reshaping housing, water, and economic control in Hawaiʻi.
Hawaiʻi for Sale: How Institutional Capital Is Quietly Rewriting Our Future
Hawaiʻi is undergoing a quiet but profound shift as land, housing, and commercial infrastructure move from local stewardship into institutional portfolios. This long-form analysis examines the Alexander & Baldwin sale,
Bill 9 and the Illusion of Simple Solutions
Maui County’s Bill 9 was intended to address housing affordability, but on a small island economy, removing one sector creates ripple effects felt across jobs, small businesses, and community stability.
Why Maui Chose Tourism: The Real History & Data Behind Our Economy
Tourism on Maui didn’t grow by accident. It was a deliberate response to the slow collapse of sugarcane, designed to keep families on island and communities alive. This article explains
The Economic Unsustainability of Maui’s Construction Boom
Maui’s construction surge, including “affordable housing,” masks a deeper crisis. Without a thriving local economy, small business recovery, or wage growth, construction profits leave the island while local families struggle.
The Surfing Economy of Maui: A Renewable Engine for Island Sustainability
This reference essay analyzes the surfing and ocean-sports sector as one of Maui’s most resilient, non-extractive economic engines. It explores cultural foundations, local employment, innovation, environmental stewardship, and policy implications
The high cost of living in Maui, Hawaii, has significantly impacted generational wealth and housing affordability
The high cost of living in Maui, Hawaii, has significantly impacted generational wealth and housing affordability. Here are some key points: High
How Legacy Corporations Shape Maui’s Tourism—and Keep Locals Out
Still Controlled: Maui’s Tourism Industry Is Dominated by Legacy Corporations—and They’re Turning Locals Against Each Other The Big Five might sound like
Maui’s Service Industry Workers: The Reliance on Tips Amid High Living Costs
Maui’s Service Industry Workers: The Reliance on Tips Amid High Living Costs The idyllic beaches and lush landscapes of Maui, Hawaii, attract
The lack of affordable housing in Maui County is a symptom of low wages and a depressed economy
The lack of affordable housing in Maui County is a symptom of low wages and a depressed economy, and not just a
Lowering house prices on Maui could make the housing market more attractive to mainland buyers
Lowering house prices on Maui could make the housing market more attractive and vulnerable to mainland buyers for several reasons: Higher Purchasing
Shutting down temporary vacation rentals on Maui might not make housing more affordable
Economic Impact: The vacation rental industry is a significant part of Maui’s economy, providing jobs and generating tax revenue1. Reducing the number of
Rethinking Tourism: How Maui Can Reclaim Its Economic Future
Beyond the Beaches: Maui’s Struggle Without a Micro-Economy Maui may be world-famous for its beaches and luxury resorts, but beneath the surface
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES: So sad we are seeing our favorite local restaurants and food trucks on the verge of
Maui is vulnerable to natural disasters and man-made shutdowns
Maui is vulnerable to natural disasters and man-made shutdowns Maui is vulnerable to natural disasters and man-made shutdowns, and economic slowdowns. Not
How Maui’s Economy is Shaped by Legacy Monopolies
Hawaii’s economy, including Maui’s, has been shaped by the dominance of a few major corporations historically known as the “Big Five.” These