East Hawai‘i News
‘Here we go again’: Potential heavy rainfall, flooding back in Hawai‘i forecast
Light to locally moderate scattered showers are forecast for Tuesday, April 7, along mainly windward and mauka locations of the state, with a minor risk of locally heavy rainfall and concern for isolated thunderstorms during the afternoon on the Big Island; flood watch already in place, going into effect from Wednesday morning, April 8, through Friday afternoon, April 10.
Living celebration of Hawaiian art, culture and community: Official Merrie Monarch arts, crafts fair about much more than simple commerce
“It’s a place where you can watch a kapa demonstration, see live performances from local hālau and connect with the people behind the art,” said fair co-chairpersons Taylor Escalona and Kegan Miura. “The artisans and volunteers who return year-after-year are truly the heartbeat of this event, and that aloha spirit is something you really can’t replicate anywhere else.”
Police remind motorists to drive safely during Distracted Driving Awareness Month
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data show 16,482 people died and about 1.6 million people were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers from 2020 to 2024 nationwide.
More heavy rain, flooding, thunderstorms looking more and more likely this week for Hawai‘i
National Weather Service says confidence is increasing that unsettled weather — possibly even a fifth kona low since the beginning of the year — will impact the state from midweek and possibly into this weekend even as some places continue to recover from back-to-back kona lows in March and majority of Merrie Monarch Festival activities kick off Wednesday, April 8, in Hilo.
16 motorists arrested for DUI during week of March 23-29 on Big Island roads
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.
Did you feel it? Magnitude-3.9 quake shakes Big Island
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.
Don’t miss Merrie Mele Happy Hour live in The Rainbow Room at The Booch Bar in Hilo
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.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park preps for next lava fountaining episode at Kīlauea
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.
Hilo Aloha celebrates culture, creativity, community during Merrie Monarch Week
New weeklong gathering at historic Hilo Palace Theater will feature workshops, live performances, mākeke and community event.
Information you need to know about the 63rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival — and more
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.
Change coming to how volcano alert level, aviation color code are applied during Kīlauea lava fountaining episodes
These updates will more clearly distinguish hazards during eruptive pauses and lava fountaining episodes.
18 lane closures scheduled during week of April 4-10 on Big Island state roadways
Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.
National Weather Service issues special weather statement in advance of Episode 44 lava fountaining at Kīlauea summit
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.
63rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival official schedule and Miss Aloha Hula contestants, participating hālau hula
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.
Puna man sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexual assault of minor
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.
AARP events will help fight fraud throughout the month
A series of events in April will bolster fraud prevention awareness, coinciding with AARP Fraud Prevention Month
Hawaiian Studies program teaches hula as a living practice at Hawaiʻi Community College
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.
Volcano Watch: Adapting to an evolving eruption; revising Kīlauea’s alert level, aviation color code notifications
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.
UPDATE: 17-year-old runaway found in good health
Juwika Langu, who was previously reported as a runaway, was found March 25 in Hilo.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for April 3-9: 63rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival, Easter brunch, Waikōloa’s Egghunt and more
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!
