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.
Tourism
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
How the Narrative Gets Steered
Public narratives can be controlled and shaped during major policy debates, power quietly shifts away from communities, and people can lose agency even when change feels like progress.
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.
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
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
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
Developers Are Leveraging Anti-Tourism Sentiment to Fuel Maui’s Building Boom
Maui’s building boom is being driven by developers, luxury housing, off-island buyers, and land conversion, while local residents face rising costs, infrastructure strain, housing displacement, and growing pressure on limited