Catherine Cluett Pactol
Senior Reporter, Maui NuiCatherine Cluett Pactol is Hawaiʻi Public Radio’s Senior Reporter for Maui Nui. She lives on Molokaʻi and is HPR’s first full-time employee based on a neighbor island.
Having served as a contributing HPR reporter on and off since 2008, she officially joined the HPR newsroom in summer 2023. Previously, she worked at The Molokai Dispatch, Molokaʻi's only newspaper, serving as its editor for more than a decade, while also freelancing for magazines and publications across the state. She has a degree in creative writing from Bates College.
Catherine’s work is driven by a passion for uplifting community voices through journalism and has been recognized locally and nationally, including a National Edward R. Murrow Award.
Contact her at cpactol@hawaiipublicradio.org.
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Two Lahaina boat captains have won over a million dollars on a national TV game show. HPR’s Catherine Cluett Pactol caught up with the couple to learn about their experience and how the money has changed their everyday life. Spoiler alert: it hasn’t! -
Maui County's new state-of-the-art emergency facility in Wailuku is slated to open next month as the enlarged and improved headquarters of the Maui Emergency Management Agency. -
Kimo's Restaurant, a Lahaina landmark that used to extend over the water on Front Street, has announced plans for its future in a new building. -
An event called Lahaina Homecoming is reconnecting families and friends in an emotional three-day weekend. HPR’s Catherine Cluett Pactol shares what’s bringing them together, even some of those living across the country. -
The National Park Service held its first hiking tour to Kalaupapa last week. HPR's Catherine Cluett Pactol reports NPS has since halted them in response to community concerns. -
The U.S. Department of Transportation is selecting an airline to fly federally subsidized flights to Lānaʻi for the next several years. HPR’s Catherine Cluett Pactol reports on those competing for the route. -
Interim marketplace 'Ulu o Lele is planned to open in the fall and host 25 to 50 vendors over the next two years. -
Last month, the Kalaupapa Saints Tour owned by patient resident Meli Watanuki closed, after her death. Now, HPR’s Catherine Cluett Pactol reports the National Park Service is now offering its own tour – the only way to visit the former Hansen’s disease settlement. -
The National Park Service announces new tours of Kalaupapa; the Smithsonian hosts a 'Quilt Along' event featuring a Hawaiian quilt artist. -
University of Hawai’i researchers were awarded over $2 million to support the next phase of a Maui wildfire study. The Maui Learnings to Overcome Adversities study examines long-term impacts of the 2023 wildfires and seeks to improve post-disaster well-being.
