West Hawai‘i News

A group of 40-plus seniors participated in the inaugural event aimed at bridging gaps and building trust with Hawaiʻi Police Department.

County councili candidates for District 7 – Eddie Ombac, Manu Powers and Mark Henriques – will be answering questions from residents at a meet-and-greet on Sunday.

The 150 members of UNITE HERE Local 5 on the Big Island resort’s staff have worked without a contract since February 2025; they are asking their employer to negotiate with them on a contract that respects their work and wages while keeping up with the rising cost of living.

Those who attend will learn about ongoing planning efforts, connect with members of the working group and provide valuable feedback to inform future plans for one of West Hawaiʻi’s most treasured coastal resources.

Both festivals celebrate different cultures from the around the island, including Hawaiian, agricultural and Japanese; promise unique, family-friendly fun for the entire family.

Advance tickets are available through July 23 online at a reduced price for the event hosted at KBXtreme in Kailua-Kona and presented by lifestyle and apparel brand Hawai‘i’s Finest.

The annual JoAnn Williams event offers a diverse and impressive assortment of items by vendors and artisans from throughout the islands; scheduled July 18 at Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua-Kona.

Exclusive culinary experience commemorates 50th anniversary of historic Judgment of Paris; tickets available online.

Enjoy the great outdoors or cool air-conditioned spaces during the wide range of upcoming events and activities around the Big Island.

All roads in the Waikōloa area are open; however, Hawai‘i County Civil Defense urges drivers to exercise caution when driving through the area as crews continue to fight the fires and vehicles and equipment could be traveling on or crossing roadways.

Remember: Lane closure schedules can change without notice and are weather permitting.

Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division will collect back-to-school supplies at Kona and Hilo Walmart stores; nonprofit also hosting Christmas in July campaign with iconic Red Kettles ringing out at the Kona store to collect donations for families in need.

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.