Community
WATCH: Hawaiʻi County hosts first Animal Control and Protection Summit
The summit brought together county officials and community members in an effort to improve public safety, animal welfare and community well-being.
Distinguished Hawaiʻi artists to bring Hawaiʻi culture, history to life at Kahilu Theatre
Two art exhibits from Edwin Kayton and Brook Kapūkuniahi Parker will bring images of historical events and moʻolelo from kūpuna to Kahilu Theatre from March 14 to April 12,
18-year-old Big Island sailor makes waves in high-level, competitive sailing
Gavin Vasilescu, 18, is preparing for crucial competitions this month in Southern California, where he hopes to excel at the national level and inspire more Hawaiʻi sailors to compete nationally.
Keiki cooks encouraged to ‘GET Local’ to find new food adventures through video cooking contest
Budding cooks should create a 5- to 7-minute video preparing a healthy recipe with at least one locally sourced fruit, vegetable or protein; winners receive an immersive farm and food adventure, going behind the scenes to learn directly from professionals in the culinary arts and local agriculture.
Kahaluʻu Beach Park in Kailua-Kona to be closed several days at beginning of May
The Kohala Centerʻs ReefTeach program and Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources ask and urge the public to refrain from swimming, snorkeling and surfing in Kahaluʻu Bay during the closure to support the successful reproduction, settlement and recruitment of new cauliflower coral, as well as give Kahaluʻu this brief — yet essential — time for rejuvenation.
27th annual State Employees’ Food and Fund Drive officially kicks off
State employees have supported the drive since 1999, collecting food and raising funds for Hawaiʻi Foodbank and its statewide affiliates; this year’s drive runs through May 8.
Botanical World Adventures honors active-duty service members, chaplains with activities
This event is connected to the Wounded Warrior Project and its acclaimed Project Odyssey program — a no-cost, 12-week mental health initiative that uses adventure-based learning to help warriors manage and overcome the invisible wounds of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety and depression.
Saturday in Hilo: Kuleana Health Fair offers accessible services, Hilo Public Library celebrates 75 years
Saturday is a busy day in Hilo with the Kuleana Health Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium and the 75th anniversary of Hilo Public Library beginning at 9 a.m.
State launches 2026 Hawaiʻi Quality of Life and Well-Being Survey: Let your voice be heard
The state of Hawaiʻi and University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa are asking residents to again share their experiences by completing the 2026 survey, which asks about health and well-being, housing and cost of living, transportation, community concerns and solutions, work and school, access to services and more.
3-year global business degree program at Hawaiʻi Pacific University gains accreditor approval
The global business degree is a pioneering 90-credit, 3-year undergraduate degree designed from the ground up to be fast, flexible and future-focused.
Historic Hawaiʻi youth climate victory community event planned in Waimea
“This event is about more than a legal victory,” said Parker School Head of School Stephen Dunn in announcing the upcoming event. “It’s about civic engagement, kuleana for our environment and empowering young people to understand that their voices matter.”
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for March 6-12: Hilo Steel Guitar Festival, Abled Hawaiʻi Artists exhibit, Ola Ka ʻĪ Kona and more
Music is in the air this week as several venues around the island are hosting concerts, live bands and even dance shows featuring a variety of tunes in several different styles; but that’s not all — check out this week’s top 10 now!
Public schools advance farm-to-school effort with new small farm partnerships
Additional micropurchasing agreements are in development throughout the state, including collaborations between school cafeterias and school gardens, as well as additional small farm produce purchases on Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island and Maui.
Apply now for open positions throughout Hawaiian Islands as part of Kupu ʻĀina Corps
The conservation and environmental education nonprofit has opportunities on all islands with new host sites.
‘Rainy Day’ concert to benefit guests of Salvation Army Hilo Overnight Safe Space
Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy student Samantha Fortney, who grew up in Hilo, is turning her senior capstone project into meaningful action, inspired by a desire to serve her community.
Bridging gap between funding and ʻāina stewardship: 5 organizations selected for first-of-its-kind hubs
The five regional hubs are across the moku/hui moku (districts) of West Kauaʻi, Waiʻanae (Oʻahu), Molokaʻi, Central Maui and Kohala (Hawaiʻi Island).
Community invited to celebrate law enforcement during Officer of the Month luncheon
Hawaiʻi Police Department officers Jason Cunefare and Lawrence Matsumoto will be honored for their exemplary service.
Sign up today for The Kohala Center’s next stewardship experience at Kahalu‘u Bay and Beach Park
Those who attend will learn about Kahaluʻu as ʻāina lei aliʻi, the lands that adorn the chiefs, and what made Kahaluʻu so special for generations; participants also will engage in kilo, or intentional observation along the shoreline or in the water and moʻolelo, or oral history, of Kahalu‘u will be shared and a mo’olelo of the day will be collectively created.
Tee up to register for membership in Hawai‘i State Junior Golf Association
Junior golfers throughout Hawai‘i are invited to tee up and join a competitive and educational tournament schedule designed to develop skills on and off the course; the 2026 Spring season opens March 14-15 at Wailuā Golf Course on Kaua‘i, with a tournament for juniors ages 14 years old and younger.
Volunteers observe more than 1,900 humpbacks during second count of 2026
Data was collected Feb. 28 from 46 sites throughout the main Hawaiian Islands; a total of 1,935 whales were observed throughout all islands, down just 12 whales from February 2025.
