East Hawai‘i News

There have been a total of 198 DUI arrests so far this year, a 6.16% decrease from the 237 during the same period last year; DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue islandwide.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that the temblor struck about 2 miles east-northeast of Pāhala in Kaʻū on the south-southeast side of the island at a depth of just 2 miles; it had no apparent impact on either Mauna Loa or Kīlauea volcanoes.

Be sure to add theses special Hawaiian music performances to your Merrie Monarch Week itinerary, which fit perfectly into a week the celebrates all things Hawaiian.

With weather forecasts calling for a shift of winds coming from the south, visitors should be prepared for tephra, volcanic gas and potential temporary closures with upcoming Episode 44 of ongoing episodic eruption at Big Island volcano’s summit.

New weeklong gathering at historic Hilo Palace Theater will feature workshops, live performances, mākeke and community event.

Hilo on the Big Island once again becomes the hula capital of the world this week with the return of the annual Merrie Monarch Festival; the 63rd installment of the weeklong celebration of everything hula and Hawaiian runs from Easter Sunday, April 5, through April 11 this year.

These updates will more clearly distinguish hazards during eruptive pauses and lava fountaining episodes.

Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.

Forecasters say if lava fountaining happens, varying levels of ash, Pele’s hair and other lightweight tephra could fall downwind of the summit. Smaller particles can travel farther from the summit and could affect communities at greater distances.

Annual Hoʻolauleʻa kicks off the weeklong celebration of everything Hawaiian at 9 a.m. Sunday, April 5, with competition in the ‘Super Bowl’ of hula beginning Thursday, April 9, with Miss Aloha Hula contest.

The case stems from incidents that occurred between 2019 and 2022, when Bryan Flores was the minor’s muay thai coach; Flores pleaded guilty to first-degree sexual assault in October 2025.

A series of events in April will bolster fraud prevention awareness, coinciding with AARP Fraud Prevention Month

The program is rooted in the legacy of Edith Kanakaʻole and her philosophy of “teach all who come to learn,” and the focus on hula has helped deepened the cultural identity of Native Hawaiians.

After Episode 44 ends, assuming activity is similar to the first 43 episodes, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory will lower alert level and aviation color code for Kīlauea one level lower than the current norm, to Advisory and Yellow, respectively.

Juwika Langu, who was previously reported as a runaway, was found March 25 in Hilo.

Next week is a big one for the Big Island. It’s Merrie Monarch time, celebrating all things Hawaiian. plus, it’s Easter Weekend. Check out this week’s top 10 things to do on the Big Island now!

Management of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park requires the use of aircraft to maintain park facilities and other operations; dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather.

The 5th Annual Autism Walk at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo this Saturday, April 4 aims to create a safer community for people with disabilities by promoting new communication methods and helpful resources.

Fourth annual Kea‘au Family Fun Day runs until 3 p.m. Sunday, March 29, and includes the state’s largest Easter egg hunt, with more than 37,000 eggs for keiki — of all abilities — to find; even the adults get to have some egg-finding fun. Plus there’s a ton of other events and activities planned throughout the day.

A new medical building in Hilo with 19 intensive care unit beds and 36 progressive care unit beds is slated for completion in early 2027.