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The annual festival — now in its 33rd year — celebrates blossoming of the historic cherry trees planted in 1972 in Church Park Row, the festival’s headquarters. Fred Nonaka helped plant them and now at 89 years old, he’s still on pruning duty. Meanwhile, his wife Nancy Nonaka was the spark behind the many cultural demonstrations and hands-on activities offered each year at Kamuela Hongwanji Mission.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi has awarded $263,000 in grants to bolster food security and health equity in the islands, supporting programs such as the Food Basket’s DA BUX.

Hawaiʻi County Mass Transit now has 16 vehicles in its Hele-On Kakoʻo Paratransit Services fleet, helping increase on-time performance and reliability for users.

Rooted in compassion and opportunity, the Kruschel Endowment to Reduce Insecurity will provide direct assistance to University of Hawai’i at Hilo students facing financial hardship, focusing on such basic needs as housing, food, transportation, communication, technology and access to essential resources.

Organization responds to 20% more home fires during the holiday months, many of which are sparked by cooking accidents, unattended candles or unsafe decorations.

Wailuku River State Park (Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots) in Hilo and Kekaha Kai State Park in Kona will begin charging parking fees for nonresidents and commercial vehicles; Hawaiʻi residents, however, will continue to receive free parking.

Hawai‘i joins the nation this year in observing the annual Smokeout today (Nov. 20), and Hawaiʻi Department of Health encourages island residents to use this date to quit — even if it is for a day.

The holidays are officially upon us as we head into Thanksgiving week, and the top 10 definitely reflects the most wonderful time of the year, with several events celebrating Turkey Day 2025 and another holiday market. Be sure to check them out now!

“Time is of the essence when a tsunami threatens Hawai‘i Island, so we encourage everyone living, working or learning in coastal areas to know and practice their escape routes,” said Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda.

Bill 53 aims to align Hawaiʻi County with goals set forth by the county’s Zero Waste Plan that was adopted in 2007.

There will be two Big Island locations community members can find the big red vending machines to donate to people in need; one will be at Prince Kūhiō Plaza in Hilo and the other at Queens’ Marketplace in Waikōloa.

Robo-AO-2 is designed to correct the blur caused by Earth’s atmosphere, sharpening images of hundreds of objects each night with minimal human oversight.

Committee members reviewed applications from organizations and agencies throughout the state seeking a portion of the allocated $50 million in nonprofit grant funding, and they will announce their decisions Thursday (Nov. 20).

Funds are part of a total $120,000 the organization granted to several nonprofits throughout the islands; Food Basket to use award to help fulfill food security needs of Big Island residents coping with increasing prices.

“By bringing the Family Resource Center directly into our communities, we’re able to meet families where they are, offer immediate assistance and build relationships that strengthen the well-being of our keiki and ʻohana.” — Neighborhood Place of Puna Executive Director Paul Normann

37-year-old David Jossy and 36-year-old Amy Fattorosi were arrested and charged with several drug offenses following the execution of a narcotics search warrant Tuesday (Nov. 18) at a residence on Lapanui Street in Kona; Lapanui Street runs adjacent and near Kealakehe Intermediate School.

Dr. Michael Aronowitz hosting Game Night with Lasting Benefits this weekend that will teach participants some of the skills and tools needed to sustain any kind of connection.

Gaseous pillars and a sparkling star cluster, reminiscent of rain in ʻōhiʻa forests, featured in the image from Gemini North telescope atop Mauna Kea on the Big Island.

A winter weather advisory remains in effect for the Big Island summits, with the National Weather Service alerting locals of a rare tropical surge bringing snow and freezing rain between now and Thursday.

While all the spots are filled for wreath-making, there is still plenty of native flora that will be available for free during the Laʻau Love Fest at the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center on Saturday.