News
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.
Change coming to how volcano alert level, aviation color code are applied during Kīlauea lava fountaining episodes
These updates will more clearly distinguish hazards during eruptive pauses and lava fountaining episodes.
18 lane closures scheduled during week of April 4-10 on Big Island state roadways
Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.
National Weather Service issues special weather statement in advance of Episode 44 lava fountaining at Kīlauea summit
Forecasters say if lava fountaining happens, varying levels of ash, Pele’s hair and other lightweight tephra could fall downwind of the summit. Smaller particles can travel farther from the summit and could affect communities at greater distances.
63rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival official schedule and Miss Aloha Hula contestants, participating hālau hula
Annual Hoʻolauleʻa kicks off the weeklong celebration of everything Hawaiian at 9 a.m. Sunday, April 5, with competition in the ‘Super Bowl’ of hula beginning Thursday, April 9, with Miss Aloha Hula contest.
Visitor spending increases over 10% in February compared to the same time last year
In February 2026, visitors spent over $1 billion, which is an increase of 10.3% while total visitor numbers only increased by 3%.
Puna man sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexual assault of minor
The case stems from incidents that occurred between 2019 and 2022, when Bryan Flores was the minor’s muay thai coach; Flores pleaded guilty to first-degree sexual assault in October 2025.
63rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival kicks off Sunday in Hilo with the Ho‘olaule‘a
The festival’s capstone is three days of competition, featuring 19 hālau (hula groups) performing kahiko (ancient) and ‘auana (modern) hula to the world, and 13 women competing for Miss Aloha Hula.
AARP events will help fight fraud throughout the month
A series of events in April will bolster fraud prevention awareness, coinciding with AARP Fraud Prevention Month
Survivors of disasters can address their needs through interim disaster recovery plan
Forty dedicated case managers available through the Disaster Case Management Program will provide guidance and refer survivors to available resources.
Long-standing Kona restaurants along Ali‘i Drive sell as package after 2 years on the market
The Kona eateries were purchased by the newly formed Island Restaurant Group that includes Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill, Jackie Rey’s and Harbor House.
Precursory activity begins ahead of Episode 44 of the Kīlauea eruption Friday morning
A fountaining eruption at Kīlauea’s caldera is projected between April 6 to April 14, potentially impacting residents and visitors with ash and tephra.
