Entertainment
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for May 8-14: Charity walk, chocolate fest, spring concert, classic piano and more
Treat the woman who gave birth to you with an event that has a more personal touch; when you saw it, Mom was the first person who came to mind. This week’s top 10 has some great ideas!
Mauna Kea telescope helps researchers reveal changes in interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS
Observations suggest the comet’s chemistry changed as it passed near the sun, providing new clues to how materials in interstellar comets differ from those in comets formed in this part of the cosmic neighborhood.
Hawaiʻi Community College celebrates success of inaugural E ʻImi Pono fundraiser
The event, highlighting the institution’s role in preparing the Big Island’s workforce, drew more than 100 supporters on April 18 to the I Ola Nō Ke Kino Dining Room at the Manono campus in Hilo.
Severe weather washes away more than quarter of million dollars in state tourism revenue
Number of visitors statewide in March decreased 1.7% from the same month a year before, with Big Island visitor stats following same downward trend; visitor spending throughout islands falls 1.6% from March 2025.
Hawaiʻi House of Representatives celebrates inaugural Laulau Day
“Laulau is more than a beloved island staple; it carries deep cultural and historical meaning,” said Oʻahu state Rep. Darius Kila. “Preserving and promoting traditional Hawaiian foods helps honor Native Hawaiian culture and ensures these practices continue to be understood and passed on.”
ADVISORY: Increased pedestrian activity expected during BLOOM – EMPRESS 5K, Lei Day x BLOOM event
Increased foot traffic is expected from about 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 2, in Kona in conjunction with the women-centered community fun run celebrating movement, culture, music and wāhine empowerment.
USS Missouri marks 40 years since recommissioning with ceremony, exhibit
Veterans reunite aboard their ship four decades later at Pearl Harbor to honor service, legacy and enduring spirit of the Mighty Mo.
News briefs for May 1: Appliance replacement, festival winners and more
A quick look at news happening throughout the island, state and nation.
Southwest Airlines boosts ‘Ohana Rewards loyalty program with new benefits for members
Opportunity for loyalty program members to fly four one-way interisland flights and earn 1 one-way interisland flight brings more perks, more convenience, stronger interisland connections.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for May 1-7: Lei Day, AstroDay, Mother’s Day Orchid Show and more
This upcoming weekend promises 3 days packed full of so much fun for the entire ‘ohana, we had to slightly increase the top 10 to a top 11 things to do — with activities, events and festivals planned spanning from the earth under your feet to outer space.
Organizers of Kona 4th of July parade soliciting entires to celebrate America 250
“Whether you walk, dance, roll, ride, strum or march — we want you in the parade,” said organizers of the 2026 Kailua Village Independence Day Parade who are soliciting entries.
Mother’s Day orchid show in Kona features local growers, vendors
Celebrate Mother’s Day early at the Kona Orchid Society’s annual Orchid Show on May 2 at Makaeʻo Pavilion, where you can explore a stunning array of vibrant, blooming orchids.
Mānoa campus of University of Hawaiʻi earns recognition nationally for beauty
“This recognition reflects what our students, faculty and community experience every day at [University of Hawaiʻi at] Mānoa: a campus where natural beauty, culture and academic excellence come together in a unique way,” said University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis Syrmos.
‘Ho‘ā Wailoa: A Tribute to Pi‘opi‘o’ transforms Wailoa Art Center into living cultural space
Keiki, ‘ohana and the broader community are encouraged to listen deeply, create meaningfully and reflect collectively on their relationship to ʻāina through a series of intergenerational experiences at the Hilo art center.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for April 24-30: Beekeepers, Denim Day, growing together, S. Tokunaga anniversary, native plants and more
This week’s top 10 has everything from an ongoing exhibit featuring the legacy of Hawaiʻi beekeepers to raising awareness about sexual assault and how to prevent it; check out this week’s listings right now!
Work to replace lava tube bridge to begin at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Most of Nāhuku Lava Tube will remain open during construction; entrance and exit will move to the east end only until the project is completed by the end of June.
New online events calendar helps travelers discover what’s happening throughout state
Hawaii.com feature organizes events by island, helping visitors discover festivals, cultural experiences and local happenings and bringing real-time events and experiences directly into the trip-planning process.
New podcast spotlights Hawaiʻi Island ʻōpio choosing to build future at home
Vibrant Hawaiʻi is introducing the podcast this year with renewed intention — to challenge the long-standing narrative that Hawaiʻi’s most promising ʻōpio must leave the island to succeed.
2026 Big Island Chocolate Festival debuts free Chocolate Farmers Market, promises sweet shindig
The new event showcases local cacao growers and chocolate makers; 3-day festival also includes educational activities, farm tour, college student chocolate competition, grand gala and much more.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for April 17-23: Freaky Tiki, Uncle Charlie, Maisey Rika, HI-CAL DEAD, kickball, Earth Day cleanup and more
It’s another week with plenty to do around the Big Island, but if you’re a music enthusiast — or just like to listen to great tunes — several venues have events planned that are pitch perfect for you; check out this week’s top 10 things to do on the Big Island now!


