East Hawaii News
Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens admission fees to begin in August
In addition to the new zoo admission fees, a revised fee schedule for stall rentals at Pana‘ewa Equestrian Center also is being implemented as part of rule changes Hawai‘i County is adopting at Hilo’s Pana‘ewa Recreational Complex.
Hawaiʻi police investigate possible drowning in Kaʻū
A 59-year old female visitor in Nāʻālehu was in distress while swimming at Whittington Beach Park leading to bystanders bringing her to shore where she appeared to become unresponsive.
Business Monday: Hilo’s guitar shop turns 10 and wants to ‘keep the music going’
Spencer and Laura Ahuna started Big Island Guitars and Music Supply in the Hilo Shopping Center with seed money they won on “Wheel of Fortune.”
Temporary water service shutdown scheduled in Pāpaʻaloa area
In preparation for the Kaiwilahilahi Bridge project, water service will be temporarily halted in the Pāpaʻaloa area on Tuesday, June 24 impacting residents and businesses in and around the area.
Gusts up to 50 mph forecast for parts of Big Island now under wind advisory
North and South Kohala as well as parts of Hāmākua, North Kona, Kaʻū and Puna will see sustained northeast winds of 15 to 30 mph throughout the day as trade winds gain strength from a tight pressure gradient created because of a surface high northeast of the state.
10th Wildfire & Drought LOOKOUT! campaign highlights new era of wildfire, drought awareness
State, county and nonprofit organizations involved in wildfire prevention and mitigation say following the devastating and deadly wildfires in in August 2023 that destroyed Lahaina, killing more than 100 people, and other blazes on the Big Island the same day, people in Hawai‘i are beginning to understand the risks they, their families and their livlihoods face when wildfires loom.
Last chance to register: Vibrant Hawaiʻi hosting free online workshop to help your family be emergency ready
Give your keiki the knowledge they need today to lead with strength tomorrow, and get essential information along with practical tools to prepare for disasters.
Paving work to begin at Onekahakaha Beach Park in Keaukaha
The project at the beach park just off Puhi Bay, between Chalk’s Beach and Hilo Yacht Club, in the Hilo coastal community is aimed at addressing concerns raised during a recent community meeting and includes repaving the park’s upper parking lot as well as its main entry road.
Scheduled Hawai‘i Island lane closures on state roadways for June 22-27
Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting. Check to see if any of the planned closures will impact your commute during the next week.
Heiva I Keaukaha celebrates Tahitian dance, culture through competition
The 12th annual Heiva I Keaukaha will bring Tahitian dancers from around the state to Hilo for a competition that displays the dynamic culture of Tahiti.
24 motorists arrested for DUI during week of June 9-15 on Big Island roads
There have been 432 DUI arrests so far this year on Big Island roadways, a 3.79% decrease compared with the 449 made during the same period in 2024. Hawai‘i Police Department reports DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue islandwide.
UPDATE: Episode 26 showcases dizzying peak lava fountain heights during early morning at Kīlauea summit
While the eruptive event lasted just about 8 hours, lava was ejected to peak heights of well more than 1,000 feet Friday (June 20) from the north vent in Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at the Big Island volcano.
House leadership appointments, committee assignments announced for 33rd Hawaiʻi Legislature
West Hawai‘i state Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa named majority caucus leader for 2025-26 term; several Big Island lawmakers assigned chairmanships or vice chairmanships of committees.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for June 20-26: ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,’ The Green, Junior Gamers Extravaganza and more
If you’re seeking an adventure — or even a misadventure — the Big Island has some upcoming events and activities that are sure to pique your interest. Check out this week’s top 10 things to do on the Big Island now!
Overnight sewer maintenance scheduled for Makaʻala Street in Hilo
Hawaiʻi County Department of Environmental Management crews will be out from 8:30 p.m. June 19 to 4 a.m. June 20 as part of ongoing efforts to maintain and assess underground sewer infrastructure.
Firefighters respond to blaze in Glenwood Tuesday night
No one was injured in a structure fire that completely engulfed a residential home in the Glenwood neighborhood in Volcano Tuesday night.
Free training available for Big Island residents learning to care for, understand people living with dementia
The Positive Approach to Care helps people understand what is happening to the brain when someone has dementia while also teaching practical techniques for care.
Big Island embraces Buddhist cultural tradition with 27 Obon celebrations this season
The Buddhist tradition of dance is meant to welcome, celebrate and appreciate ancestors and loved ones who have passed away.
Hilo man arrested and charged with 21 offenses in mail theft investigation
Keoni Brian Paulino was charged with theft and financial crimes and a drug offense after an incident of mail theft was reported to police early Tuesday morning in Waiākea Uka.
Episode 25 comes and goes after Kīlauea put on a show for thousands of people
Astonishing lava fountains surged over 1,000 feet high from Kīlauea’s north vent, creating a fiery spectacle for just over eight hours.
