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Hey Maui, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Fragile recovery study, Sunday jazz brunch, and lights for Lahaina + lots of fun things to do for free.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Recovery remains fragile: University of Hawaii researchers reported worsening mental health among Lahaina survivors, especially children, citing ongoing housing and health instability. The team also launched a program connecting rural residents with care -- read the full study.
Local care leader spotlight: Today, ʻOhana Care CEO Jessika Galvez addresses Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset on services from daily living support to Kalama Heights services, meeting at YMCA West Side Resource Center -- hear Galvez's service pitch.
Donating matters more than ever: Amid a national blood crisis, Blood Bank of Hawaii says donations are urgent, noting 60% will need blood but only 2% donate. It supplies all 18 local hospitals across Hawaiʻi -- see where to donate blood.
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Spruce up your hale: Need to refresh your space this week? Lifestyle Maui Furniture brings the designer look without the designer price with sofas, sectionals, bedroom sets, dining tables, entertainment units, and rugs. Tons in stock from their massive warehouse, plus friendly design help and quick delivery so your living room glow up actually happens.
Island-grown sips: MauiWine pours pineapple wines alongside estate and Rose Ranch selections, all crafted with serious aloha. Swing by for an elevated tasting on their heritage property, or peep the event calendar and wine club if you want more reasons to toast living here.
Stitch something island-made: From bold Hawaiian prints and classic palaka to rayon, bark cloth, drapery cotton, and handy notions like coconut buttons, zippers, and thread, Fabric Mart is basically your stash upgrade. Whip up pa'u skirts, mu'u mu'u, or fresh home decor this week... your sewing machine is calling.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🛍 Friday Local Vendor Pop-up @ South Maui Gardens (Kihei) | Friday (8/14) at 9:00 AM – Think you know every shop on island? South Maui Gardens brings in fresh local vendors daily, plus 15 food trucks, so you can browse handmade goods, eat well, and feel smug about supporting the community in a tropical oasis. Vendors rotate, your aloha stays.
🛍 La'akea Village Sunset Market @ La'akea Village (Paia) | Friday (8/14) at 5:00 PM – Sunset Market pops up at La'akea Village with over 20 vendors, food, treats, and handmade goods. Finally, shopping comes with miniature horses, Yetti and Petunia, and supports services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Family-friendly, alcohol-free, free entry, and easy parking.
🎷 Sunday Jazz Brunch @ Fabiani's Pizzeria & Bakery (Kihei) | Sunday (8/16) at 11:30 AM – Sunday brunch gets the Makai Jazz Group soundtrack, the kind that makes a loco moco feel downright elegant. Slide into pastries, pancakes, quiche, and omelets while Bruce Boege, Jeff Hellmeron, and Dave Graber keep it smooth on sax, keys, and bass, coffee optional.
🎲 Game Night! (Afternoon) @ Kihei Public Library | Tuesday (8/25) at 3:00 PM – If your idea of cardio is shuffling cards, head to Kīhei for Battleship, Uno, Dungeons & Dragons, and whatever else hits the table. It happens the last Tuesday of the month, so bring your game face, your house rules, and your best trash talk.
💬 Pau Hana! Conversations About Caring @ Maui Coffee Attic (Wailuku) | Wednesday (8/26) at 5:30 PM – Whether you just started booking Mom’s appointments or you’re already the family chauffeur, pharmacist, and therapist, this is a pau hana conversation about caring for kūpuna. Expect honest stories, practical tips, and the relief of realizing the village is still a thing.
🕯 Lights for Lahaina @ Maria Lanakila Catholic Church | Friday (9/11) at 4:30 PM – Two evenings in Lahaina that feel like coming home. Friday at Maria Lanakila brings grinds, music, cultural activities, and Our Lahaina Story, then Saturday’s Light March moves quietly through town, no fuss, just neighbors, memories, and light, ending at the church. Free, open to all.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — Maui report Weather forecastToday — High: 87°F — Low: 75°F — Precip: 17%
Isolated rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Northeast wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Isolated rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Northeast wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tomorrow — High: 87°F — Low: 75°F — Precip: 18%
Isolated rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Northeast wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Isolated rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Northeast wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. This house is wildThis contemporary Polynesian-style oceanfront gated estate pairs bold architecture with nonstop ocean views. High-tech finishes and 10-foot motorized pocket doors blur indoor and outdoor living, while the lower level delivers a great room, chef-worthy kitchen, media room, infinity pool, spa, and water features. An elevator leads to the primary suite, and the attached ohana adds privacy and versatility.
Take a peek inside → |
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