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Big Island News Chevron Forward

Lowell forecast to be west of Niʻihau by Monday afternoon, bringing possible hurricane force winds to Kauaʻi County

“While it is still too soon to determine the exact track of the hurricane, Lowell could bring storm surge, wind and rainfall impacts to portions of Hawaiʻi early next week,” said the 5 p.m. advisory update Thursday from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center; Lowell’s center as of that update was expected to be west of Niʻihau by Monday afternoon.

Kona Airport runway reopens after crack forces temporary suspension

Kona International Airport’s runway has reopened following a crack that led to its temporary closure, which disrupted several flights and caused diversions to Kahului Airport.

Waipiʻo Valley Road traffic emergency zone to continue to November

Waipiʻo Valley Road is restricted to Hawaiʻi County residents, permitted tour operators, and Native Hawaiians exercising traditional rights using low-range, four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Woman’s remains found along shoreline in Waipio Valley; identity unknown

Authorities are investigating the death of an unidentified woman found decomposed along the Waipiʻo Valley shoreline.

President approves Major Disaster Declaration for Hawaiʻi Island following magnitude 6.0 earthquake in May

The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency Administrator encourages residents to document their losses, contact their insurance providers and apply before the Nov. 1 deadline, “even if they are unsure whether they qualify.”

Mass replacement, extended deadline for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program announced by state

The critical updates will help families throughout the state, including Hawaiʻi County, who experienced food loss because of impacts from Hurricane/Tropical Storm Lala.

More than 850 Kaʻū students return to in-person classes 2 weeks after Hurricane Lala

Students at two schools hardest hit by hurricane reconnect with teachers and classmates as recovery effort continues.

Water service restored to most customers in Nā‘ālehu-Wai‘ōhinu area

Hawai’i County Department of Water Supply prioritizing restoration efforts for remaining about 60 accounts in Wai‘ōhinu Homestead and portions of South Point Road service areas; department appreciates continued patience and cooperation of customers

Top 10 things to do on Big Island during Labor Day Weekend: Canoe races and festival celebrate Queen Lili’uokalani, cacao tasting, drag races, Lala relief and more

The 2026 Labor Day Weekend will help everyone around the Big Island relax and rest during their long holidays from work or school; check out our top 10 things to do on the Big Island during the long holiday weekend now!

Hawaiʻi Fire Department secures $2.4 million in federal funds to expand paramedicine program

Funding will help deploy telehealth technologies and specialized personnel to address the unique challenges of Hawaiʻi County’s rural landscape.
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Local Entertainment Chevron Forward

Top 10 things to do on Big Island during Labor Day Weekend: Canoe races and festival celebrate Queen Lili’uokalani, cacao tasting, drag races, Lala relief and more

The 2026 Labor Day Weekend will help everyone around the Big Island relax and rest during their long holidays from work or school; check out our top 10 things to do on the Big Island during the long holiday weekend now!

Hilo festival to celebrate Queen Liliʻuokalaniʻs legacy at historic gardens

Celebrate Hawaiian culture at the He Haliʻa Aloha No Liliʻuokalani Festival in Hilo, honoring the only ruling Queen of the Hawaiian Kingdom with live music, hula and a captivating floral tribute.

Get your tickets now for 40th annual Hawaiʻi Kūpuna Hula Festival

Come help the festival commemorate four decades of kūpuna hula Sept. 9-10 on Keauhou Bay while you cherish a moment of Hawai‘i woven into a lei — and time.

National champ University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa men’s volleyball returning to Hilo

Tickets for “A Night of Champions” are available for purchase now on Eventbrite and University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Vulcans Athletics website; table sponsorships and tickets are limited and must be reserved in advance.

Top 10-plus things to do on Big Island for Aug. 28-Sept. 3: ‘DUKE,’ ‘SIX The Musical,’ Made for Hawaiʻi Market, Maoli Live and more

After more than 2 weeks of the weather being anything but cooperative, downright devastating at times for some locations, we’re crossing our fingers, toes and every other appendage possible that the island will finally get a much needed break; the chances right now look better than promising.

Hawai‘i Business Chevron Forward

Business Monday: Big Island VIP seeks to sell tour company to buyer eager to educate visitors
Former New York City fire chief to keynote at 2026 Hawai‘i Tourism Conference
Tech Days of Fall 2026 series boosts information technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity career pathways
News briefs for Aug. 28: July unemployment, ‘Choice for Peace,’ new chefs, Rainbow Warriors, Kanahele remembered, digital learning and much more

Big Island Polls Chevron Forward

Big Island Now poll results: County garage is answer to downtown Kona’s parking woes
Big Island Now poll: What is solution to parking woes on Ali‘i Drive in Kailua-Kona?
Reminder: Permanent restrictions remain on the transport of ʻŌhiʻa
Poll results: Big Island Now readers pick clear winner for top 2024 story. Do you know what it is?

Hawai'i Volcano Blog Chevron Forward

Volcano Watch: Tephra time machine; exploring Kīlauea volcano’s past
UPDATE: Episode 54 of lava fountaining at Kīlauea summit ends after 9 hours
Volcano Watch: A thank you letter to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory field technicians
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to close ahead of approaching new tropical cyclone

Ocean Blog Chevron Forward

‘Stark reminder of the impact of global plastic pollution’: Tangled plastic, fishing gear found in pilot whales
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa oceanographers find Hawaiian corals can possibly adapt to future heat stress
VIDEO: Blacktip shark nursery discovered in Hilo Bay
Statewide World Ocean Day event makes waves in effort to cleanup island coasts

Maui Now Chevron Forward

Dengue virus detected in wastewater sample from Hawaiʻi Island

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health is reporting that a wastewater sample from Hawaiʻi County has tested positive for dengue virus. The sample was collected Aug. 24, 2026, at the Hilo wastewater treatment plant and DOH was notified of the result Aug. 31, 2026. A follow-up sample was collected on Aug. 31; those results are pending. DOH is not currently tracking any active dengue cases in Hawaiʻi County.

Maui man pleads guilty to bank robbery

United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Justin Nelson, 43, of Kīhei, Maui, appeared Thursday, Sept. 3, before US Magistrate Judge Wes Reber Porter and entered a plea of guilty to bank robbery. Sentencing is set for Dec. 18, 2026 before Senior US District Judge Helen Gillmor.

Mayor Bissen urges USPS to preserve home mail delivery for Lahaina residents rebuilding after wildfire

Mayor Richard Bissen is urging the US Postal Service to preserve and restore direct home mail delivery for Lahaina residents rebuilding homes destroyed in the 2023 Maui Wildfires, emphasizing that "returning families should not lose an essential service simply because they were forced to rebuild."

Gov. Green declares State of Emergency, pre-positions resources ahead of Tropical Cyclones

Gov. Josh Green signed an emergency proclamation (EP) covering the entire state to support preparations for and potential impacts from Hurricane Lowell, Hurricane Karina, Tropical Storm Marie and any additional storms that could affect Hawaiʻi.

County of Maui continues to prepare, encourages readiness ahead of hurricanes Lowell and Karina

County of Maui departments continue to respond to damage from Tropical Storm Lala while preparing for possible impacts from hurricanes Lowell and Karina. With multiple weather systems interacting, there is more uncertainty in forecasts, National Weather Service officials have emphasized. Meanwhile, officials are echoing calls for community members to stay prepared during this above-normal hurricane season.

Kaua‘i Now Chevron Forward

Authorities seek help identifying man found dead along Kapaʻa shoreline

Kauaʻi authorities are appealing for public assistance to identify a man found deceased on Wednesday morning along the shoreline near Pono Kai Resort.

Hurricane Lowell to remain a powerful hurricane, high surf advisory issued for south-facing shores

Swells generated by Lowell will likely cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions and are predicted to affect portions of the Hawaiian Islands beginning today.

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative tells customers to get prepared ahead of Hurricane Lowell

As the cooperative continues preparing for the possibility of additional storm activity, members are encouraged to review their personal emergency preparedness plans and make sure they are ready for the possibility of prolonged power outages

Lowell to remain a major hurricane when it makes its closest approach to Hawaiian Islands

Forecasters said that it is still too soon to determine the exact track of the Category 4 hurricane, which now has sustained winds near 140 mph.

Lane closures scheduled for portions of Kapaʻa from Sept. 8-11

Impacted roads are Lehua Street, Inia Street, Kukui Street, Ulu Street and ʻŌhiʻa Road; Closures are scheduled for 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 8-11 and are part of a multi-week project to clean and inspect the sewer collection system.