North Hawaii News

The National Weather Service said the surf on west-facing shores of Hawaiʻi now is below advisory levels.

If you’re looking to be serenaded or just want to listen to some great live music, several Big Island venues — including all of Downtown Hilo for one night — have you covered during the upcoming week.

Hilo Airport had its second-driest December in the past 35 years and its driest calendar year since 1949; however, some sites in West Hawai‘i saw above-average rainfall to end 2025 and throughout the year.

The total number of DUI arrests in 2025 decreased by 6.74% compared with the 964 recorded in 2024; fatal crashes and fatalities also decreased on island roadways last year.

Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.

HFS has helped since 2012 relieve some of the financial stress that comes with pursuing a college degree by awarding more than 130 scholarships to student members, totaling more than $355,000.

There is an eclectic emulsion of events coming next week around the Big Island, each promising an exciting escape from the everyday bustle. Check out our top 10 things to do on the Big Island now!

January’s town hall — which breaks with the usual first Thursday routine because of the holidays — will also include the annual Hawai’i Legislature preview with Big Island state Sen. Tim Richards and state Rep. David Tarnas as well as a presentation by The Food Basket Executive Director Kristin Frost Albrecht

An easterly wind fetch generated by lowering pressures south and west of the islands will significantly increase easterly wind wave swell; surf of 10 to 12 feet is forecast, causing strong breaking waves and strong currents that will make swimming dangerous.

Peak monthly high tides combined with higher-than-predicted water levels will continue to lead to minor flooding along shorelines and in low-lying coastal areas, with flooding still most likely near the daily peak high tides early in the morning.

In addition to the regular slate of youth programs — such as Waimea Youth Chorus, Creative Drama, Center Stage and others — this winter’s offerings include classes designed especially for kūpuna and adults interested in creative expression, movement and community connection.

“Storms like this are unpredictable and potentially dangerous, so we urge the public to be prepared,” said Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda. “The picture right now looks like the biggest risk is to Puna and Hilo communities, but that could shift to Ka‘ū or to Kona coast communities by later this weekend.”

Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.

Local sponsors step forward each year to create scholarships that reflect their own values, journeys and hopes for the next generation — and 2026 marks the program’s most generous year yet.

The most wonderful time of year has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do around the island. There just isn’t as much hustle and bustle as there was in December; so take some time to relax and enjoy yourself instead of running around on all those busy sidewalks.

More than 50 keiki — accompanied by their parents and guardians — gathered Dec. 17 for a festive evening of gingerbread house building and decorating; It was an evening filled with smiles, laughter, frosting and holiday spirit.

All lanes are open on Māmalahoa Highway after a traffic accident near Waikelehua Place caused wires to block both lanes of traffic earlier this morning in South Kohala.

There have been 883 DUI arrests so far in 2025, a 5.96% decrease compared with 939 during the same period last year.

Newly created office serves Hawaiʻi Island’s west and north coasts, and a wide range of jobs are available, such as office assistants and trade workers, with monthly salaries between about $3,500 to $6,700, plus state benefits.

Now that the most wonderful day of the year and all the festivities that go with it are finally winding down, it’s time to change gears and look ahead at parties for New Year’s. Be sure to check out this week’s holiday happenings!