Despite its isolated location, Maui enjoys several competitive advantages in attracting science, technology, and innovation enterprises, such as its time zone that bridges the Continental U.S. and Asian technology markets; its desirable environment and quality of life; and incentive programs past and present, such as SBA HubZone80 and Foreign Trade Zone. This sector is also locally desirable, as it provides high-skill, high-wage jobs for residents, and industry resources can be leveraged to support STEM education opportunities in K-12 schools and at the post-secondary and early-career levels. Since the 1980s, the science and technology cluster has expanded as a strategic component of Maui County’s economic base, with some oscillations over time in part due to Federal policy and funding decisions.

In terms of future development and growth within this cluster, the permanent presence of U.S. Space Force (USSF) activities on Maui provides a significant foundation for aerospace industry activities, especially with respect to space domain awareness (SDA). National security requires the ability to operate and maintain satellites in a congested and contested space environment. In May 2022, the USFF Delta 2 activated the 15th Space Surveillance Squadron in the Maui Research & Technology Park in Kihei, in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Maui High Performance Computing Center. The Squadron’s focus is to execute a critical mix of research, development, and operations based on Maui. This milestone provides Maui County with a critical national presence and “pull” for space technology along with products, services, and workforce expertise needed to meet the USSF’s objectives. Along with the Space Force itself, defense contractors are establishing a presence as well as a significant number of commercial companies and investors.

Most recently, the launch of MEDB’s own Maui Business SPACE program and the creation of the SDA TAP Lab Maui in 2025 aims to support local innovators and entrepreneurs looking to develop technology relevant to this industry, ensuring that local residents can compete for lucrative contract opportunities. MEDB’s STEMworks program also seeks to address one of the biggest challenges facing this sector – the need for more skilled local workers with STEM degrees – by supporting K-12 students and teachers with STEM educational resources, training opportunities, and STEM career exposure and networking events.