The economic potential of developing a robust science and technology sector in Maui County has been recognized since at least the early 1980s. By 2021, this cluster accounted for more than 2,000 jobs, representing about 3.2% of all jobs in the county.

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For science, technology, innovation and efficiency enterprises, Maui County offers several advantages: its time zone location between the U.S. Mainland and technology markets in Asia; the islands’ desirable environment and quality of life; and the development of STEM programs and curricula to help support a robust pipeline for skills-based job opportunities in this sector.

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In Maui County, significant market segments within this cluster are Information and Communications Technology, Defense/Aerospace, Engineering/Professional Services, Renewable Energy, Agricultural Biotechnology, and Astronomy and Optics.

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In 2022, the U.S. Space Force (USSF) activated the 15th Space Surveillance Squadron in the Maui Research & Technology Park, in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Maui Supercomputing Center. The Squadron operates the Maui Space Surveillance Complex, a strategically located national asset at the summit of Haleakala.