Hawai‘i News
Vehicle runs over 2 endangered nēnē on Big Island, leaving both dead
The Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources said no citations have been issued at this time over the deaths of two state birds with the incident still under investigation.
‘We will fight this lawsuit with everything we have’: Governor pushes back against Hawaiian Homes lawsuit
Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green said his administration stands firm behind the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands after an Oʻahu man filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act and its blood quantum mandate.
University of Hawaiʻi expands Hoapili Teacher Pathways program statewide
The program — which University of Hawaiʻi launched in 2023 at its Maui College campus — offers tuition-free online courses, flexible enrollment, free entry-level certifications and a seamless 4-year degree path, with no prerequisites necessary.
Hawaiʻi to participate in Medicaid program to expand mental health, substance use treatment services
The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Program enhances care and expands access to mental health, substance use disorder treatment and recovery services.
UPDATE: High surf advisory for south-facing shores extended to Thursday evening
According to the National Weather Service, surf heights are expected to reach 10 to 14 feet through Thursday afternoon before declining to 8 to 12 feet in the evening.
Hawai‘i visitor spending increased in April despite arrivals slightly declining
Preliminary statistics from Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism show a total of 828,959 visitors arrived in the state during the month, a 0.5% decrease from a year before, but total visitor spending increased 4.8%.
Get fruity: Register now for early bird discount to attend Hawaiʻi International Tropical Fruit Conference
Ripen up and plan to bloom into the 36th Hawai’i International Tropical Fruit Conference at the beginning of October at Outrigger Kauaʻi Beach Resort in Līhuʻe; ‘Growing Fruits, Growing Markets’ is hosted by Hawai’i Tropical Fruit Growers and open to the public. Register early to get a special early bird discount.
Free summer meals, grocery support available for keiki
Children can receive nutritious meals this summer through three key programs: SUN Bucks grocery assistance, free eat-on-site keiki meals and Kaukau 4 Keiki meal kits.
Magnitude-4.6 rattles Big Island off Kona Coast
The quake was initially reported as a magnitude-4.6 and then revised up to a magnitude-5.2 before again being changed back to a magnitude-4.6 with the latest update from Hawaiian Volcano Observatory; moderate shaking reported by community members, with more than 800 ‘Felt Reports’ received by U.S. Geological Survey.
Big Island man denied bail following charges of first and second-degree murder
Jacob Baker is the lone suspect in the homicides of three elderly men in three locations that took place on May 22 and on May 23, according to the Hawaiʻi Police Department.
Historic row across Pacific Ocean to Maui reaches half-way point
After a month on the water, Joshua Dukes and his three rowing companions are nearing the halfway point on their historic journey from Washington to Maui, Hawaiʻi. The 3,100 mile trek across the open ocean started on May 2, 2026 and is expected to take a total of 50-70 days to complete.
UPDATE: Kīlauea’s 48th eruptive episode on Hawai‘i Island has ended
An estimated 7.3 million cubic yards of lava erupted and covered about 40% of the Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor.
Hōkūleʻa, Hikianalia to alter the next phase of Moananuiākea voyage as El Niño intensifies
The Polynesian Voyaging Society is adjusting their schedule and plans to depart Aotearoa in August 2026 due to the intensifying El Niño pattern in the Pacific Ocean.
Students invited to attend high-level music institute this July
Students can attend the Pacific Music Institute, which is a series of workshops, rehearsals and performances, from July 3-12 at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and ʻIolani School campuses.
SUN Bucks program returns for summer 2026
Program helps bridge summer nutrition gap for keiki by providing funds for food; eligible households receive $189 for each qualifying child
Online visits to remote seabird sanctuaries offered in ‘Year of Our Coastal Kuleana’
360-degree videos and interviews allow exploration of inaccessible areas — right from the comfort and convenience of your own home.
Stay informed this election year with ballot notifications
The state’s free ballot tracking service sends voters updates about the status of their mail ballot and provides deadline reminders throughout the year, plus more.
Trophy travels around Oʻahu on ‘Our Team, Hawaiʻi’s Team’ tour celebrating University of Hawaiʻi NCAA men’s volleyball title
Additional events throughout the state, including other University of Hawaiʻi campuses, also are being planned.
Pacific community, government leaders come together to strengthen ties, advance ocean protection efforts
“This is a great moment for us. This is a seed that has been planted to reconnect,” said Ludovic Burns Tuki with Koro Nui o te Vaikava o Rapa Nui, the ocean council of Rapa Nui. “This is the union between the Pacific, the biggest country connected by our blood.”
36-year-old Jacob Daniel Baker officially charged by Hawai‘i Island police with several counts of murder
Baker now faces one count of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree murder, which are directly connected with the killings of 69-year-old Robert Shine, 79-year-old Chitta Morse and 69-year-old John Carse, all from Puna; he remains behind bars and police said will not be eligible for release even if he was able to make bail for the initial property crime charges he also faces.
