East Hawai‘i News

Hawai‘i, the 50th state, reached a golden anniversary June 27: Episode 50 of the ongoing episodic summit eruption at Kīlauea volcano on the Big Island; the north vent served up a 1,030-foot lava fountain, the tallest since Episode 43.

This year’s celebrations have even more significance as the United States celebrates its 250th birthday; July 4 festivities will include rodeos, parades and community events such as a 5K run/walk/roll in salute of veterans, drag races, a car show, keiki activities, poolside parties, plenty of food, live music, a rubber duckie race and a lot more.

Kūkūau ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Mālama ʻĀina Days is fostering community connection with Hilo’s native lowland wet forest through immersive ʻāina-based education.

Hey, Big Island. There’s more to do this week than just Fourth of July festivities. Check out our top 10 things to do now!

The breakwater sustained wave-related damage that is now impacting the use of the harbor; a design for repairs includes replacement of the breakwater core and installation of a new concrete crest cap and are intended to reduce wave energy in the harbor and improve navigation.

“Spring Awakening” is a groundbreaking musical theatre experience that tells the story of a group of young people struggling to find their voices in a world determined to silence them; auditions are July 2 and 7, with callbacks July 14.

Hawai‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation and Friends of the Pana‘ewa Zoo once again invite the community to celebrate the birthdays of beloved Bengal tigers Tzatziki and Sriracha.

In observance of the Fourth of July, there will be no contraflow or lane closures July 3 unless otherwise permitted; lane closure schedules can change without notice and are weather permitting.

Tephra that was carried high into the air may still fall over Kaʻū communities despite the abrupt end to the continuous lava fountaining.

Park managers are not expecting temporary closures at this time; however, a post just before 11 a.m. Saturday by Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park reminded that could change based on wind direction, volcanic gas and tephra (volcanic material) fallout.

The island in Hilo Bay is not accessible after a Hawaiʻi County excavator drove over the pedestrian bridge, causing it to partially collapse with just a temporary fix to take two years.

Military training flights will increase for biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, July 6 to Monday, July 27.

Each permit costs $25; permits are only issued to those 18 years old and older, plus they are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Festivals and events celebrating culture and community highlight events happening this week around the Big Island. Check out the top 10 things to do now!

All ticket proceeds from the party benefit nonprofit Ku’ikahi Mediation Center and its cause of “Finding Solutions, Growing Peace.” All silent auction proceeds benefit Hilo Orchid Society’s agriculture student scholarship fund.

Those households are now better prepared for ash and tephra fall from the ongoing Kīlauea episodic eruptive activity, protecting the water supplies on which many of them depend.

Hilo has a full day of events planned to celebrate Independence Day in the U.S.

The gift is the largest annual contribution Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaiʻi has made through Taste of Hilo and reflects the organization’s longstanding commitment to supporting higher education and student success on Hawaiʻi Island.

The curtain already fell on two performances, and we’d almost wager you’re not building a snowman — no matter if you want to or not. So there’s no reason to wait, especially if it’s the first time in forever you will catch a live show at historic Palace Theater in downtown Hilo.

The evening will showcase and celebrate Japan’s musical tradition with taiko, shakuhachi and shinobue as well as feature Puna Taiko and Taishoji Taiko from 5:30 to 8 p.m. June 20 at University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Performing Arts Center.