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.
Hawai’i cancer survivor urges Congress to make cancer research a national priority
Advocates from Hawaiʻi and around the country met with federal lawmakers to urge themto pass the Clinical Trial Modernization Act.
Precautionary boil water notice canceled for Wai’ōhinu-Nā‘ālehu Water System in Ka‘ū
After additional bacteriological testing of the water system was conducted, laboratory water analysis confirmed that coliform bacteria and other potential microbiological contaminants are not present in the system.
Hawaiʻi Attorney General publishes 2025 statewide crime data showing 54,000 serious criminal offenses
Crime in Hawaiʻi declined by more than 10% in 2025 compared with the year before, according to statewide crime statistics.
Forecast window for next eruptive event at Kīlauea continues to remain unknown
Because of the irregular changes in inflation and deflation, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that forecast windows for its next eruptive episode can no longer be modeled.
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Puna man arrested in connection with Hilo terroristic threatening incident involving firearm
South Hilo patrol officers responded at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday to a residence in the 400 block of Iloko Street in Hilo following a report of a male in possession of a firearm who was making threatening statements.
Windward Planning Commission approves permit for future Keaʻau health center
The $90 million health center promises comprehensive medical and behavioral health services, catering to growing community needs by 2028.
Flood watch canceled for all Hawaiian Islands
The National Weather Service said in its 3 a.m. Friday advisory that flooding no longer is expected to pose a threat.
Volcano Watch: Ups and downs of lava fountaning episode forecasting with tilt data
Recently, re-inflation of the summit became more unsteady during the ongoing episodic eruption of Kīlauea volcano on the Big Island; now, following the opening of new vents Sept. 14-16 in Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, it appears the behavior of the volcano might…
Update: 34-year-old missing endangered man has been located
The Hawaiʻi Police Department reports that missing person David Armitage has been located in good health.
Magnitude-4.1 earthquake near Pāhala rocks Big Island
U.S. Geological Survey received more than 80 "Felt Reports" within first half-hour after the earthquake, which was widely felt around the Big Island; the farthest the quake was felt from its epicenter was in Kailua-Kona, about 49 miles away.
UPDATE: Brown water advisory issued 3+ weeks ago for Honuʻapo to Punaluʻu canceled
Hawaiʻi Department of Health, however, still urges the public to avoid brown, murky coastal waters, especially following storms or heavy rainfall; remember: if the water is brown, turn around.
Brown water advisory issued for Nīnole Beach area
Water might contain higher-than-normal pollutant levels following storms or heavy rainfall. The department recommends staying out of these affected waters for 48 to 72 hours after rain stopped and the beach received full sunshine.
State warns residents of a series of fraudulent mailers being used for mortgage protection scams
The state is warning public about fraudulent letters that are alarming homeowners by using the Hawaiʻi Green Infrastructure Authority name.
Update: Bacteria now under threshold for Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park in Kaʻū
Water sample testing results show that the enterococci levels no longer exceed the threshold level at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park.
Update: All five new vents stagnated last night, postponing Episode 55 of the Halemaʻumaʻu eruption
There is no active lava on the ground.
Youngest planet outside our solar system discovered hiding in Keck Observatory data
The planet, known as Elias 2-24 b, is still gathering material from the disk of gas and dust surrounding its young host star, allowing scientists to study a giant planet that is growing.
Gov. Green orders U.S. and State of Hawaiʻi flags to be flown at half-staff to honor late Gov. Ariyoshi
Ariyoshi led Hawaiʻi from 1974 to 1986 and was the state's third and longest-serving governor. He died in April at age 100.
‘Tis the season: Operation Santa accepting letters
It’s time to start sending in holiday wish lists to the Jolly Old Elf himself, care of U.S. Postal Service, to help provide keiki and families with a warm and bright holiday season.
Flood watch in effect for Hawaiʻi Island through this evening
A flood watch also remains in effect through Thursday evening for the entire island because of the possibility of heavy rainfall from the remnants of what was Tropical Storm Norbert.
A month after Hurricane Lala’s outerbands struck the Big Island, recovery is slow but sure in hard hit Ka’ū
Lala destroyed 27 homes and did much damage to many other homes, with Hawaiʻi County estimating $53 million to its facilities and infrastructure.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Sept. 18-24: Breadfruit summit, paniolo festival, PRIDE, magic, Kaʻū Bon Dance and more
It's another interesting mix of events happening during the next week around the island; be sure to check out all top 10 things to do now!
Green recognizes top state manager, employee, team of the year at 49th Annual Governor’s Awards
The individual winners were Dr. Darren Lerner (State Manager of the Year) and Jessica Chambers (State Employee of the Year).
Flood watch issued as remnant moisture from former TS Norbert forecast to produce moderate to heavy rainfall
An upper level trough is forecast to dig southwest Wednesday night into Thursday, pulling in the remnant moisture; deeper moisture and increasing instability will bring moderate to locally heavy showers and slight chance of thunderstorms around the Big Island, with…
Hawaiʻi to get 1 million eggs as part of federal price-fixing settlement with an Arizona farm
Hawaiʻi Foodbank will receive 63 pallets, or 56,700 dozen eggs through the settlement with Arizona-based Hickmanʻs Family Farms.
State alerts public about recall of So Delicious dairy-free salted caramel frozen dessert
A potential presence of foreign materials, such as small stones and other hard objects, in the cashew clusters triggered the recall; the product was sold at retailers such as Target and Whole Foods in Hawai‘i.
