News

Temporary one-way road starts Wednesday to accommodate Merrie Monarch Festival events

The one-way traffic pattern starts on Wednesday and will remain in effect for 24 hours through 8 a.m. on April 12.

State Department of Health, CDC investigate high rates of bacterial infections in West Hawai‘i

A Big Island physician identified a higher-than-expected number of patients suffering from Group A Streptococcus bacteria, commonly found on the skin or in the throat.

Officer Christopher Kim honored by Kona Crime Prevention Committee

The member of the 101st recruit class, who served in Kona since May 2025 upon graduating to solo patrol, was named Officer of the Month for April for his actions the morning of Oct. 28, 2025, that led to saving the life of a 51-year-old man.

Hawai‘i Island police seek help identifying suspects in Kona convenience store theft

The suspect took four heavy-duty titanium USB cables and one pair of sunglasses without permission, according to Hawai‘i Island police.

Police remind motorists to drive safely during Distracted Driving Awareness Month

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data show 16,482 people died and about 1.6 million people were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers from 2020 to 2024 nationwide.

46th U.S. Senior Open qualifying conducted at The Village Course in Waikōloa

Four U.S. golfers and one from Japan shoot out the rest of the 28-golfer field at the Big Island course to advance to final qualifying round at a site to be determined on the mainland.

Grant to develop culture-based Hawaiian language learning program

EA Ecoversity is using a grant to launch LEO—an innovative Hawaiian language program designed to meet the cultural, educational, and technological needs of 21st-century learners eager to reconnect with ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi.

Business Monday: Official Merrie Monarch apparel designed and made by local company

This year’s official Merrie Monarch apparel showcases kane (male) dancers in an army-green color in honor of the 50th anniversary of men competing in the prestigious hula competition.

State lawmakers to discuss Hawaiʻi Hurricane Relief Fund

The informational briefing scheduled for Monday afternoon, April 6, comes at a critical time as Hawaiʻi continues to respond to impacts from recent back-to-back kona lows that slammed into the state in March.

Upcoming Kiaʻi o ke Kai focus groups seek ocean users, stewards to participate, talk story

ʻĀina Momona hopes to gather perspectives from those who work in, care for and steward ocean spaces to help guide how future ocean projects engage with Hawaiʻi’s communities, especially as climate change continues to affect coastal and island communities.

GALLERY: Local hālau kick off the 63rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival

Hoʻolauleʻa showcases kāne and wahine dancers of all ages to celebrate hula as a cultural practiced passed on through each generation.

More heavy rain, flooding, thunderstorms looking more and more likely this week for Hawai‘i

National Weather Service says confidence is increasing that unsettled weather — possibly even a fifth kona low since the beginning of the year — will impact the state from midweek and possibly into this weekend even as some places continue to recover from back-to-back kona lows in March and majority of Merrie Monarch Festival activities kick off Wednesday, April 8, in Hilo.

16 motorists arrested for DUI during week of March 23-29 on Big Island roads

There have been a total of 198 DUI arrests so far this year, a 6.16% decrease from the 237 during the same period last year; DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue islandwide.

Did you feel it? Magnitude-3.9 quake shakes Big Island

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that the temblor struck about 2 miles east-northeast of Pāhala in Kaʻū on the south-southeast side of the island at a depth of just 2 miles; it had no apparent impact on either Mauna Loa or Kīlauea volcanoes.

Don’t miss Merrie Mele Happy Hour live in The Rainbow Room at The Booch Bar in Hilo

Be sure to add theses special Hawaiian music performances to your Merrie Monarch Week itinerary, which fit perfectly into a week the celebrates all things Hawaiian.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park preps for next lava fountaining episode at Kīlauea

With weather forecasts calling for a shift of winds coming from the south, visitors should be prepared for tephra, volcanic gas and potential temporary closures with upcoming Episode 44 of ongoing episodic eruption at Big Island volcano’s summit.

Hilo Aloha celebrates culture, creativity, community during Merrie Monarch Week

New weeklong gathering at historic Hilo Palace Theater will feature workshops, live performances, mākeke and community event.

Information you need to know about the 63rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival — and more

Hilo on the Big Island once again becomes the hula capital of the world this week with the return of the annual Merrie Monarch Festival; the 63rd installment of the weeklong celebration of everything hula and Hawaiian runs from Easter Sunday, April 5, through April 11 this year.

Hawai‘i Island police seek Kona credit card theft suspect

Public asked to help identifying a man captured in surveillance footage who is suspected of using a credit card to make unauthorized purchases at several businesses, including two large Big Box stores, in Kailua-Kona.

Hula kāne, once stigmatized, celebrates 50 years on prestigious Merrie Monarch stage

In 1976, kumu hula John R. Kahaʻi Topolinski was among the first kumu (teachers) to bring male dancers to compete at the Merrie Monarch stage, helping to end the stigma hula was unmanly.
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