Tropical Storm Nolo is strengthening south of the Big Island, with Hawaii County under a Hurricane Watch and heavy rain, flooding, rough surf, and travel disruptions possible through the weekend. I break down the latest forecast, what makes Nolo unusual, current closures, airline waivers, and what Big Island and Maui visitors should know right now.

For more Hawaii trip-planning help, subscribe to my main show, Hawaii’s Best, for island guides, practical tips, and travel updates.

Kamaole Beach parking is changing fast, and if you're planning a south Maui trip you'll want to know before you go.

Full details, available here: https://hawaiisbesttravel.com/kamaole-beach-parking-fees/

In this Hawaii travel news update, Bryan explains what the new Park Maui program means for visitors, when the new resident only rule kicks in, and how to avoid getting stuck without a parking spot.

Starting Wednesday, July 15th, 2026, non-residents parking at Kamaole Beach Parks 1 and 3 will need to pay by license plate, either through the Park Maui app or at the kiosk. Hawaii residents park free by scanning their local license, but the real change is the new weekend and holiday rule, which reserves the paved lots exclusively for residents until 10am.

You'll learn what this means for your beach day timing, why paying the fee won't get you into the lot before 10am on weekends or Maui County holidays, and why the beaches themselves remain open to everyone.

In this episode:

• What Park Maui is and where it's rolling out first
• How much non-resident parking costs and how to pay
• Why the new 10am resident only rule could flip your beach strategy
• What's still open to everyone, and what's strictly about parking
• Why Kamaole 2 isn't included, at least not yet

This is a fast-moving local change, and this episode will help you plan your south Maui beach days with confidence and avoid any surprises at the lot.

Lahaina is welcoming visitors again, but Maui travelers need to know what has changed before planning a West Maui trip.

Full details, available here: https://hawaiisbesttravel.com/visiting-lahaina-maui-2026/

In this Hawaii travel news update, Bryan explains what’s open in Lahaina in 2026, what areas remain closed, and how visitors can support Maui’s recovery with care and respect.

Lahaina Harbor has partially reopened for limited commercial tours, and nearby areas like Kāʻanapali, Kapalua, Nāpili, and Honokōwai are operating. But Front Street, Banyan Tree Park, and the central burn zone remain closed and should not be treated as sightseeing stops.

You’ll learn how to visit West Maui thoughtfully, where your spending can help local businesses, and why checking Maui County recovery updates before your trip matters.

In this episode:

• What’s open in Lahaina and West Maui right now
• Why visitors should avoid the burn zone and Front Street
• How to support reopened local restaurants, shops, and tours
• What Lahaina’s phased reopening means for 2026 Maui trips
• Why respectful travel matters during the rebuild

Lahaina is healing on its own timeline. This episode will help you plan your Maui trip with confidence, care, and respect.