Hawai‘i News
Community members encouraged to come together on UH Giving Day in support of students, programs
Gifts of any size given Wednesday, Dec. 8, directly remove financial barriers for students, expand hands-on learning and advance research addressing Hawaiʻi’s most pressing needs, from health care and education to environmental stewardship.
‘It will not take much rain to induce flash flooding’: Heavy rainfall, stormy conditions to continue rest of week
Stormy conditions will continue through the rest of the week, with a major risk of even more heavy rainfall Wednesday through Friday for the entire state, bringing with it a strong potential for additional flooding.
Kaua‘i County officials warn about possible inclement weather persisting into next week
Periods of heavy rain are possible, particularly as a moisture band lingers near the island, and conditions are expected to become more organized and impactful Wednesday through Friday, April 8-10.
New study reveals benefit of bacterial protein on bobtail squid health
The bacterial protein SypC from Vibrio fischeri provides both bioluminescent camouflage and crucial organ development for the Hawaiian bobtail squid.
State’s south-facing shores, including on Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau, under high surf advisory
Large breaking waves of 7 to 10 feet with occasional higher sets to 12 feet are forecast, with surf eventually expected to peak above advisory thresholds Wednesday, April 8.
Hawaiʻi airports anticipate surge in passengers for the Merrie Monarch Festival
Hawai’i airports brace for an influx of interisland travelers traveling to Hilo for the Merrie Monarch Festival, which is ongoing until April 11.
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa continues to shape leaders in travel, hospitality industry
The University of Hawaiʻi School of Travel Industry Management commemorates its 60th anniversary by raising over 361,000 for student scholarships during its annual gala.
Potential heavy rainfall, flooding back in the forecast as state braces for more stormy weather
Light to locally moderate scattered showers are forecast for Tuesday, April 7, along mainly windward and mauka locations of the state, with a minor risk of locally heavy rainfall and concern for isolated thunderstorms during the afternoon on the Big Island; flood watch already in place, going into effect from Wednesday morning, April 8, through Friday afternoon, April 10.
Hula kāne celebrates 50 years on esteemed Merrie Monarch stage
The 63rd annual Merrie Monarch will highlight the evolving yet deep-rooted traditions of hula kāne, showcasing its enduring cultural significance in Hawaiʻi.
Native Hawaiian nonprofit secures grant to develop Hawaiian language program
EA Ecoveristy is creating a Hawaiian language program to help modern learners reconnect with ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi through interactive, accessible learning tools.
Sound Bytes: Synchronous swimming (with robots); behind the Hawaiʻi Glider Challenge
The exciting work of flying robots underwater takes science, teamwork and flexibility.
Hawaiʻi Hurricane Relief Fund on agenda for informational briefing to state lawmakers
The briefing scheduled for Monday afternoon, April 6, comes at a critical time as Hawaiʻi continues to respond to impacts from recent back-to-back kona lows that slammed into the state in March.
Another round of heavy rain, flooding, thunderstorms brewing 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.
Big Island rattled by magnitude-3.9 quake
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.
Ocean users, stewards invited to participate in upcoming Kiaʻi o ke Kai focus groups
ʻĀina Momona hopes to gather perspectives from those who work in, care for and steward ocean spaces to help guide how future ocean projects engage with Hawaiʻi’s communities, especially as climate change continues to affect coastal and island communities.
Schedule and Miss Aloha Hula contestants, participating hālau hula for 63rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival
Annual Hoʻolauleʻa on Sunday, April 5, kicks off the weeklong celebration of everything Hawaiian on the Big Island in Hilo, with competition in the ‘Super Bowl of hula’ beginning Thursday, April 9, with Miss Aloha Hula contest.
Visitor arrivals, spending increased 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%.
State of Hawai‘i launches Kona low interim disaster case management program
The state of Hawaiʻi has launched an interim Disaster Case Management Program, connecting victims of the recent Kona Low storms with 40 trained case managers to aid in assessing needs and developing recovery plans
Community event at Kukui Grove Shopping Center to spotlight the ‘Alea ‘Ula
Join the Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture and partners at the Kukui Grove Shopping Center on April 4 for a free community event celebrating conservation efforts for the endangered ʻalae ʻula.
Volcano Watch: Adapting to an evolving eruption; revising Kīlauea’s alert level, aviation color code notifications
After Episode 44 ends, assuming activity is similar to the first 43 episodes, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory will lower alert level and aviation color code for Kīlauea one level lower than the current norm, to Advisory and Yellow, respectively.
