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Large northwest swell filling in; beware of warning level surf in West Hawai‘i

National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu issued a high surf warning that will be in effect from 10 a.m. today until 6 a.m. Saturday for the entire west coast of the island. Surf will build to between 8 and 12 feet along west shores by this evening.

Nurses unions, legislators, others join forces to ensure safe patient care standards in Hawai‘i

The coalition says there is an urgent need for reforms to improve patient care and strengthen the state’s health care system, and unlike many other states with mandated patient-to-nurse ratios, the islands lack these vital protections. Studies have shown every patient added to a nurse’s workload increases patient mortality rates by 7%.

Volcano Watch: Peering into a crystal ball — What tiny crystals can tell us about their trip through the magma chamber

When magma cools prior to eruption, crystals grow and develop chemical zones that record changes in the environment around them. Scientists study chemical differences in these zones, which can provide information about the magma, including its temperature, composition and more.

Police seek man suspected of taking items without permission from vehicle while owner used ATM

The alleged theft happened just before 8 p.m. Dec. 18, 2024, in a bank parking lot on Pauahi Street in Hilo. The unidentified man suspected in the incident fled toward Aupuni Street after being confronted by the vehicle’s owner and a bystander.

Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Jan. 16-22: KWXX Hoʻolauleʻa, volcano comedy, ‘Aloha Spirit Rising,’ Keiki Fun Run/Walk and more

If ever there was a week when “variety” best fit the top 10 things happening around the Big Island, this would be it. From an hour of volcano stand-up comedy to the return of the KWXX Hoʻolauleʻa, there definitely is something for everyone. Check em out today!

Hawaiʻi artists showcase showstopping woodwork in Waimea

Hawaiʻi Wood Guild displays the best of the best island artisans during its 39th annual Invitational Masters Show at Isaacs Art Center at Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy.

Lawmakers lay out priorities on Opening Day of Hawai‘i State Legislature

Hawaiʻi state lawmakers in leadership laid out their priorities they hope to accomplish during the 2025 session that runs though May 2.

New tool helps Subaru researchers better understand formation, evolution of universe

Called the Prime Focus Spectrograph, it features about 2,400 prisms scattered across the extremely wide field of view available at the Subaru Telescope’s primary focus, allowing for simultaneous spectroscopic observation and dramatically enhancing its efficiency.

Central Fire Station personnel, equipment to temporarily relocate

The nearly 90-year-old building in downtown Hilo is the county’s oldest fire station and is in need of significant repair. Hawaiʻi County Department of Public Works Building Division crews will conduct repairs — to preserve the integrity of the building’s exterior — after fire department personnel relocate.

Update: High bacteria count notification also now canceled for Honoli‘i Cove north of Hilo

There now are no longer any active high bacteria count notifications for any East Hawai’i beaches or waters.

Ironman Chevron Forward

Kona’s Kaiden Lieto following in dad’s footsteps, seeking Ironman world title despite brain surgery
How did the local Ironman athletes fare at the Ironman World Championship in Kona?
Kaiden Lieto finishes first Ironman World Championship in under 10 hours
Patrick Lange wins third Ironman World Championship in Kona — in third record time

Local Entertainment Chevron Forward

Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Jan. 16-22: KWXX Hoʻolauleʻa, volcano comedy, ‘Aloha Spirit Rising,’ Keiki Fun Run/Walk and more

If ever there was a week when “variety” best fit the top 10 things happening around the Big Island, this would be it. From an hour of volcano stand-up comedy to the return of the KWXX Hoʻolauleʻa, there definitely is something for everyone. Check em out today!

Watch the teaser: What happens when a comedian walks into a volcano?

Comedian Ben Miller, and 2023 artist-in-residence at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, brings his hourlong show ‘Stand-Up Science Presents: Volcano’ to Kona and Hilo.

People’s Choice Awards announced from Banyan Drive Art Stroll featured art exhibit

Artists displayed their best work featuring the theme “The Legacy of the Cherished Gardens.” Five People’s Choice Awards winners were chosen by those who attended the 5th Banyan Art Stroll on Jan. 11 in Hilo.

4 first-timers to tee up at this year’s Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualālai

Thomas Bjørn, Y.E. Yang, Tim O’Neal and Ricardo Gonzalez will be among the packed field of 42 illustrious players competing next week at the 18-hole Hualālai Golf Course located in beautiful Ka‘ūpūlehu, Kona, on the west side of the Big Island of Hawai‘i.

Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Jan. 9-15: T.S.O.L. live, more Volcano Awareness Month events, the Java experience and more

The Big Island is once again teeming with events, activities, shows and more for any and everyone to enjoy. Check out what’s happening in this week’s top 10!

Big Island Polls Chevron Forward

Poll results: Big Island Now readers pick clear winner for top 2024 story. Do you know what it is?
Big Island Now poll results: Mixed feelings felt about Hawaiian Electric’s Public Safety Power Shutoff program
Big Island Now poll results: Services just as important to consider when looking at building a new Kona hospital
Big Island Now poll no. 56: What is most important when considering a new hospital?

Hawai‘i Business Chevron Forward

Business Monday: Sound healing practitioner merges science, the unexplainable as alternative wellness practice
Metal, appliance recycling services resume at East Hawaiʻi transfer stations
Business Monday: Meadery combines traditions of Poland, ingredients from Hawaiʻi
KTA Super Stores opens first stand-alone pharmacy in heart of Hilo

Hawai'i Volcano Blog Chevron Forward

Volcano Watch: Peering into a crystal ball — What tiny crystals can tell us about their trip through the magma chamber
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Jan. 16-22: KWXX Hoʻolauleʻa, volcano comedy, ‘Aloha Spirit Rising,’ Keiki Fun Run/Walk and more
Kīlauea awakens: 200-foot lava fountain emerges with 4th eruptive episode underway
Minor spattering observed at Kīlauea summit

Ocean Blog Chevron Forward

Large northwest swell filling in; beware of warning level surf in West Hawai‘i
Update: High surf takes toll on portion of Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Dead humpback whale calf discovered on Maui shore
Update: Civil Defense reports Kahaluʻu, Magic Sands beaches to reopen

Maui Now Chevron Forward

Lele Aloha launches Hauola Awards to support rebuilding efforts in Lahaina

Lele Aloha announced the launch of the Hauola Awards, a grant program aimed at supporting the rebuilding, re-establishing, and reinvigorating of communities affected by the 2023 Maui fires. In response to the unprecedented destruction, Lele Aloha stands committed to providing immediate relief and aiding long-term recovery efforts.

Meeting on proposed plans for Lahaina Recreation Center playground area, Feb. 4

The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation invites residents to provide input on proposed plans for the Lahaina Recreation Center playground area during a community meeting Feb. 4, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Lahaina Civic Center Social Hall.

Pair of lava fountains on display as fourth episode of current Kīlauea eruption continues

The summit eruption at Kīlauea volcano that began on Dec. 23 entered its fourth eruptive episode on Jan. 15 and continues this morning. Activity is concentrated at two lava fountains in southwest Kaluapele that have each built up a cone and have associated lava flows.

25-year-old Maui man reported missing after failing to return home on Saturday

The Maui Police Department requests the public’s help with any information on the whereabouts of Cole Tancayo, 25, of Waiehu.

Sunday’s Maui Oceanfront Marathon traffic advisory on Honoapi‘ilani Hwy near Launiupoko Beach

Highway users are advised to prepare for potential traffic delays on Sunday, Jan. 19, as the Maui Oceanfront Marathon will proceed from the Shops at Wailea to Launiupoko Beach Park.

Kaua‘i Now Chevron Forward

Hanalei man indicted for murder year after body with multiple gunshot wounds discovered in burned vehicle

43-year-old Michael John Sears was indicted Jan. 15 for second-degree murder, first-degree arson and abuse of a corpse in the Jan. 12, 2024, death of Paul Nicolas, who was determined to have been shot multiple times before he and his vehicle were set on fire at Anahola Beach Park.

Kauai Weather Forecast for January 17, 2025

Showers will remain in the forecast today as a cold front advances down the island chain. Cooler and drier conditions, with light to moderate north to...

Kauai Surf Forecast for January 17, 2025

A large, long period west-northwest swell is filling in through the day, peaking this afternoon and evening. This swell will produce warning level surf...

Lane closures scheduled for parts of ‘Ele‘ele

Motorists are urged to make appropriate arrangements to accommodate crews with contractor Insituform Technologies who will be doing asphalt/concrete sewer work from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays through next week, weather permitting.

Update: High surf warning extended through Saturday for north and west shores

Large northwest swell will continue steadily filling in today and is still forecast to peak this afternoon through this evening.