West Hawai‘i News

There once again is a unique variety of events and activities coming up during the next week, promising a ton of fun for keiki to kūpuna; check out our top 10 things to do on the Big Island now!

Five contestants competed in each of three age divisions, preparing their own unique poke recipes and judged on creativity, presentation, taste and use of local ingredients.

Plenty of clouds persist in several locations, but not much rain expected to impact any celebrations; however, some spots around the Big Island are seeing breezy conditions, so practicing your best fire safety skills will be even more important to make sure fires don’t ignite.

This year’s celebrations have even more significance as the United States celebrates its 250th birthday; July 4 festivities will include rodeos, parades and community events such as a 5K run/walk/roll in salute of veterans, drag races, a car show, keiki activities, poolside parties, plenty of food, live music, a rubber duckie race and a lot more.

Hey, Big Island. There’s more to do this week than just Fourth of July festivities. Check out our top 10 things to do now!

Community members turning out for the meeting in Building A at West Hawaiʻi Civic Center in Kailua-Kona will hear directly from the legislators, plus the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns and discuss key issues impacting the West Hawai‘i region.

West Hawaiʻi marine reserve off the Kona Coast was eligible to reopen as early as July, but additional time is needed to finalize the Kaʻūpūlehu Fisheries Management Plan, develop implementation strategies and complete a co-management agreement.

In observance of the Fourth of July, there will be no contraflow or lane closures July 3 unless otherwise permitted; lane closure schedules can change without notice and are weather permitting.

Each permit costs $25; permits are only issued to those 18 years old and older, plus they are non-transferable and non-refundable.

The 34th annual Great Waikōloa Rubber Duckie Race returns to Kings’ Shops with Super Quackers theme, family activities and more than $25,000 in prizes.

Festivals and events celebrating culture and community highlight events happening this week around the Big Island. Check out the top 10 things to do now!

Project is aimed at reducing wildfire risk and limiting breeding habitat for invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle.

The luncheon also will feature a presentation by Special Agent Emily Moore of the FBI Honolulu Field Office’s Kona Resident Agency.

Tournament scheduled June 27 at Kona Country Club; proceeds raised will assist the state’s only full-service maternity, newborn and pediatric specialty Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

The Kona Police Station, located at 74‑611 Hale Makai Place in Kailua‑Kona, is also accepting back‑to‑school supply donations prior to the event.

This will be the third community meeting hosted by Hawai‘i Department of Transportation about the airport’s master plan update; it will include a presentation followed by a question-and-answer session.

June continues to offer a full slate of events, activities and festivals around the island.

The cleanup initiative is a part of the HONOUR — Homeless Outreach Nurturing Our Community — project, which included about 20 unsheltered volunteers who assisted with cleaning up the popular playground; it brought officers and community members together with a shared goal of preserving and enhancing one of the Big Island’s valued public spaces.

Electric Vehicle Association names Big Island state Rep. Nicole Lowen as its 2026 Legislative Ambassador of the Year.

Independence Day Parade and Fireworks Extravaganza light up the July 4th holiday in Kailua-Kona; everyone encouraged to join the festivities as entries are still being accepted for this year’s parade.