Community

The Merrie Monarch Hula Festival concluded Saturday at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo with ‘auana (modern hula) performances from 20 hālau across the state of Hawai‘i and California.

How to pay for and support county services, programs, services and essential public safety is a timely question given challenges ahead for the island’s government because of anticipated and dramatic changes to federal and state funding supports as well as local revenue mechanisms, including property taxes.

The parade is a cherished tradition that celebrates Hawaiian culture, the art of hula and the rich heritage of Hilo town. 

Before the final night of competition begins, however, there’s plenty of craft fairs, markets and other events that continue throughout Hilo in case you haven’t had a chance to check any out yet.

The competition culminates tonight, where hālau will perform ‘auana (modern) hula.

Community invited to celebrate reopening of the Waikōloa Village park’s multi-purpose sports fields, made possible by a partnership between Hawaiʻi County and a local developer, starting at 10 a.m. May 4 at the park.

The soloists were scored by seven judges who looked at their kahiko (ancient) and ‘auana (modern) performances and critiqued them in various areas.

But before the “Super Bowl of Hula” gets underway at 6 p.m. today with the individual contest for the coveted title, be sure to check out all the events and activities happening throughout Hilo in celebration of hula and all things Hawaiian.

Didn’t get tickets to the Merrie Monarch Festival competitions? Looking for something different to do this weekend? The Big Island has you covered.

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researchers highlight in new study how practice deeply rooted in Hawaiian tradition promotes food security, physical activity, cultural identity and community well-being.

Before donning your Aloha wear best or that new designer outfit to show off at tonight’s Hōʻike, check out some of the other events happening throughout Hilo during festival week.

Ten Hawaiʻi-based designers showcased cutting-edge designs by blending spring trends with rich cultural narratives during the 3rd Hanau Hou Arts and Fashion Show.

The Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Arts and Craft Fair kicks off on Wednesday and ends on Saturday. Vendors will be located at the Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium & Butler Buildings from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

The public can discover a vibrant selection of orchids, diverse plants and unique crafted merchandise at the annual Mother’s Day Orchid Show and Plant Craft Sale on May 3.

Contributions, 36% more than last year, affirm the essential role all disciplines play in advancing knowledge, fostering creativity and building stronger bonds at all 10 of the university’s campuses statewide.

A team of 12 ‘Āina Keepers joined several Hilo Community Policing officers April 17, restoring the appearance of two heavily graffitied locations along Keawe and Haili streets in the Big Island community.

During the council’s regular meeting on Wednesday, Council Chair Holeka Inaba recused himself from voting on the confirmation of Rebecca Kawehi Inaba to the commission seat, disclosing that she is his mother.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture urges visitors to adhere to strict quarantine rules for transporting ʻŌhiʻa plants from Hawaiʻi to protect th fungal plant disease from traveling back overseas.

Parks and Recreation, Public Works team up for complete project that will now provide a parking area at the West Hawai‘i park that can safely accommodate about 80 vehicles.

Starting May 1, the oceanfront roadway, from Kailua Pier to Hualālai Road, will be open for southbound traffic only to create about 50 parking spaces on the northbound side.