North Hawai‘i News
Hawai‘i students ‘taste the rainbow’ with special fresh, locally sourced salad
The hue-tiful menu item highlighted the continued farm-to-school efforts by Hawaiʻi Department of Education and its commitment to student wellness.
2026 Homeless Point in Time Count begins on Big Island
The goal of the federally mandated survey — which offers a snapshot of homelessness — is to identify and count individuals and families residing in places not meant for human habitation; more than 50 volunteers and staff are participating in this year’s initiative.
12 more motorists arrested for DUI from Jan. 12-18 on Big Island roads; total stands at 37 for year
Major crash numbers so far in 2026 have increased by 22.73% from the 44 within the first couple of weeks in 2025; Hawai’i Police Department Traffic Services Section discovered 54 major crashes reported already this year as of Jan. 18.
UPDATE No. 5: National Weather Service cancels ashfall advisory for Big Island
Satellite imagery and web cameras no longer show significant ash falling near Kīlauea volcano because of Episode 41 of lava fountaining in the ongoing episodic summit eruption; the episode lasted more than 8 hours before abruptly ending just before 7:30 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 24).
18 lane closures scheduled during week of Jan. 25-30 on Big Island state roadways
Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.
UPDATE: High surf advisory canceled for west-facing shores of Big Island
The National Weather Service said the surf on west-facing shores of Hawaiʻi now is below advisory levels.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Jan. 16-22: 29th KWXX Ho‘olaule‘a, Kenny Tagavilla, Bob Weir tribute, ‘School of Rock the Musical’ and more
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.
Big Island ends extremely dry 2025 with a mostly dry December
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.
5 motorists arrested for DUI during last days of 2025 on Big Island; year ends with total of 899
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.
8 lane closures scheduled during week of Jan. 10-16 on Big Island state roadways
Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.
HFS Federal Credit Union offers $60,000 in scholarships this year to Big Island students
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.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Jan. 9-15: Science comedy, speakeasy dinner show, art stroll and more
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!
Late Fire Chief Kazuo Todd to be honored during upcoming Waimea Town Meeting
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
High surf advisory, flood advisory, coastal flood statement in effect for East Hawai’i
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.
UPDATE: Coastal flood statement extended again, now in effect through early Tuesday
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.
Registration open now for winter classes at Kahilu Theatre in Waimea
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.
Evolving kona low storm system could bring flooding, lightning to Hawaiʻi island
“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.”
8 lane closures scheduled during week of Jan. 3-9 on Big Island state roadways
Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting.
More than $50K in scholarships available from for Hawaiʻi Rise Foundation for Big Island students
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.
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Jan. 2-8: Live in the Lobby, envisioning 2026 possibilities, getting funky and more
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.
