Big Island News & Breaking Local Updates
Welcome to your definitive source for Big Island news. From real-time breaking alerts and weather updates to deep dives into local government and community events, Big Island Now provides the most up-to-date, comprehensive coverage on the island. Driven by a deep commitment to independent, local journalism, our on-the-ground reporting team publishes fresh, critical updates throughout the day. Stay connected with the latest headlines, community stories, and essential information impacting Hawai‘i County below.
Subaru Telescope to join NASA’s Roman Space Telescope on Maunakea for international partnership
Hawaiʻi Island observatory will contribute 100 nights to international space research.
Disaster Loan Outreach Center to open in South Kona to help businesses, private nonprofits, residents following May quake
Beginning Monday, Nov. 2, the Community Resource Center in Captain Cook, also known as Yano Hall, will be converted into a Disaster Loan Outreach Center. Customer service representatives will be present to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan…
University of Hawaiʻi awarded $4.4M federal grant to expand college pathways for rural Big Island students
The project, which runs through 2032, will support students from seven target schools in Kohala, Honokaʻa, Keaʻau, Kaʻū and Pāhoa.
3 Big Island professionals to graduate from rigorous Hawai‘i Agricultural Leadership Program on Nov. 9
This year's 14 graduates identified ways to reduce Hawaiʻi’s dependence on food imports and strengthen its food system.
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Families of people buried at Nāʻālehu Cemetery encouraged to submit claim for recovered items
Hawaiʻi County Department of Parks and Recreation in late September initiated a process for family members to claim items displaced by flooding caused by Hurricane Lala.
Hawai’i’s 2026 dry season 3rd wettest in 30 years; but wet season will be opposite with increased wildfire risk
If the NOAA wet season forecast is accurate, the state may experience drier-than-normal conditions and droughts in many areas due to El Niño.
State marks National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week with launch of awareness campaign
This year’s awareness campaign encourages Hawaiʻi families to “Get the Facts. Test Your Keiki. Check Your Home” for possible contamination; educational webinar scheduled for this morning, Oct. 28.
6th annual Fill A Police Cruiser food drive coming to Kona
All donated non-perishable food items and monetary contributions collected during the food drive will be distributed by The Food Basket, Hawaiʻi Island's Food Bank, to people and families in need around Hawaiʻi Island.
Flood watch in effect through late Wednesday night
Heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms with intense rainfall rates can develop at any time through Wednesday night, with the greatest flood threat focused over O‘ahu and Maui County; however, all islands are at risk.
UPDATE: Water quality advisory canceled at Puakō Boat Ramp in Waimea
Water sample testing results show enterococci levels no longer exceed the acceptable threshold level.
UH at Hilo seniors among winners of NASA competition to feed astronaut crews on Mars
Leilani Jensen and Raven Kromer's winning design was inspired by Polynesian voyagers and traditional Hawaiian farming techniques.
Some Big Island school lunches now feature local beef from Parker Ranch
Parker Ranch is supplying beef to schools across Kohala, Waikoloa, Waimea, the Hāmākua Coast and Hilo.
Update: Wind advisory canceled for Big Island summits; warning goes into effect later tonight
According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 80 mph are expected.
Meeting to discuss the removal of unexploded munitions from World War II live-fire training
Restoration Advisory Board meeting will discuss the current removal and clean up of unexploded munition from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
State funds to support facility improvements at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
Gov. Josh Green has approved the release of $9.5 million to support higher education and infrastructure in Hawaiʻi County.
3 police officers honored by Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi Police Department officers Xylon Takata, Christopher Barto and Taylor Cruz were recognized for their investigative work and "heartfelt service" to the community.
Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture receives nearly $400,000 for pesticide enforcement
Federal grant money will be used to support two inspectors and one chemist position with the State of Hawaiʻi.
‘ʻIkuwā Journey Through the Universe’ brings the solar system to Hilo students and their families
Using hands-on activities, volunteer educators from Maunakea Observatories and other institutions shared their knowledge of astronomy.
Water restriction notice in place for South Kohala customers
A Water Restriction Notice requires affected customers to reduce water use by at least 25%. Irrigation customers are required to reduce use by at least 50%.
Hawaiʻi House of Representatives accepting applications for 2027 legislative session positions
Prior legislative experience is not required, and individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to submit applications for the temporary positions.
Anticipated heavy rain moving over Hawaiian Islands this week prompts flood watch
The heavy showers may develop Tuesday morning, bringing intense rain rates.
Business Monday: Longtime Kona sports bar rebrands under new name, Voyagers
The Kona Canoe Club, once a sports bar owned by famed LA Dodgers pitcher Don Drysdale, launched a new name and menu in September: Voyagers.
Police Officer Jessica Cook recognized as North Kohala Officer of the Quarter
Dedicated to traffic safety, she was actively involved in clearing two critical roadways during Hurricane Lala in August.
Retired Hawaiʻi Supreme Court chief justice honored with Sandra Day OʻConnor Award
Former Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald, who retired in 2025, has been recognized with the National Judicial College's highest honor.
Hawai‘i Island police seek public help finding missing Waikōloa man
Police ask anyone with information on the man's whereabouts to contact Officer Kelena Kealoha at the police department’s non-emergency line 808-935-3311.
