West Hawaii News

18 motorists arrested for DUI during week of Feb. 17-23 on Big Island roads

There also have been 7 fatal crashes and 8 fatalities on Big Island roadways since the beginning of 2025, a 40% increase for fatal wrecks and 60% increase for traffic fatalities already in just less than 3 months.

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles: What do Yellowstone and Hawaiʻi have in common? More than you might think

Despite their outward differences, the fundamental engines that power volcanism in both regions are quite similar. There’s a lot of aloha in southern Idaho and northwestern Wyoming.

High surf advisory in effect for west coast of Big Island

Surf of 7 to 10 feet is forecast along west shores from ʻUpolu Point in North Kohala to South Point in Kaʻū. Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense urges beachgoers, swimmers and surfers to heed all advice from ocean safety officials and exercise caution when entering the water in the advisory areas.

County seeks contractor for first phase of new West Hawaiʻi emergency shelter

Called an important step in Hawaiʻi County’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness, the Kukuiola Emergency Shelter and Assessment Center being built in Kailua-Kona is anticipated to open in early 2027.

Hāpuna Beach to open late on Wednesday

Hāpuna Beach Park will open at 8 a.m. instead of 7 a.m. for a police investigation Wednesday morning.

University of Hawaiʻi team discovers ancient Hawaiian calendar system at a Hawaiʻi Island heiau

An ancient calendar system found at the Hapaialiʻi heiau near Kahaluʻu Beach Park on Hawaiʻi Island dates back between 1411 and 1465.

High surf advisory issued for west facing shores

West Hawaiʻi will be under a high surf advisory until 6 p.m. this evening.

Students from 9 Big Island schools to participate in Hawaiʻi District History Fair in Hilo

Students at every fair are tasked with producing a project on any historical or civic event that follows this year’s theme of “Rights and Responsibilities.”

‘Walking school bus’ helps reduce chronic absenteeism, increases student safety

New innovative initiative at Kealakehe Elementary and Intermediate schools not only improves attendance but ensures students have a safe, consistent way to get to school while fostering more connections between them.

Update: Brown water advisory canceled for West Hawai‘i coast after about a week

Beachgoers advised to remember: If the water is brown, turn around. State health officials recommend staying out of the water in the advisory area for 48 to 72 hours after heavy rainfall stops and beaches have received full sunshine.

Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Feb. 21-27: Steely Dead, Pickleball for Peace, Sour Hearts Club, JuggleFest and more

Who ever said life on the Big Island was boring? This is another one of those weeks that takes somewhat of a more, shall we say, eclectic turn as far as things to do around the island. We’re sure you can find something that will pique your interest.

A job fair will pair county residents with dozens of vacancies across the island in Hilo on Saturday

There will be educational and training resources, career coaching, and resume reviews offered to help participants along their career path.

Help wanted: Governor signs order implementing Operation Hire Hawaiʻi

As upheaval and job cuts continue throughout the federal government, this targeted outreach initiative expedites the state hiring process, fast-tracking qualified candidates into job opportunities throughout the islands.

Vibrant Hawai‘i expands resilience hub network around Hawai‘i Island

Nonprofit that supports residents with creating local solutions to complex issues, providing structure, process and resources to drive community-led initiatives, adds 20 new resilience hub partners islandwide

Update: High surf advisory for west coast of Big Island extended

According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, surf of six to eight feet is expected along with strong breaking waves and currents, which will make swimming dangerous.

Scheduled Big Island lane closures for Feb. 16-21

In observance of Presidents Day on Monday, there will be no contraflow set up or lane closures unless otherwise permitted. Lane closures can change at any time without notice.

New Hawaiʻi County Parks and Recreation director highlights projects to finish, projects to begin

Work to improve Miloliʻi Beach Park and build the new Papaʻaloa play court is set to begin this March as the Hawaiʻi County Parks and Recreation focuses on creating safe recreational spaces and programs.

24 motorists arrested for DUI during week of Feb. 3-9 on Big Island

Police have made 106 arrests for driving under the influence of an intoxicant so far this year as of Feb. 9. That’s only 5 less, or a 4.5% decrease, from last year’s 111 DUI arrests during the same time period.

Update: High surf advisory for western shorelines extended through Friday morning

Surf of 6 to 8 feet is still expected along the west shores of the Big Island as a persistent west-northwest swell continues to fade overnight.

Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Feb. 14-20: Valentine’s Day soirées, stewardship and cultural events plus more

Cupid makes his rounds this weekend, and there is a variety of events around the Big Island to help the cherub of love hit his target so you score a bull’s-eye with your special someone. If you’re not feeling the love, don’t fret. There also are other events where Cupid’s arrow won’t necessarily fly.
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