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University of Hawaii at Hilo to Host Lā Kūʻokoʻa Celebration Commemorating Hawaiian Independence Day

University of Hawaii at Hilo to Host Lā Kūʻokoʻa Celebration Commemorating Hawaiian Independence Day

The University of Hawaii at Hilo is set to host a full-day celebration for Lā Kūʻokoʻa, commemorating Hawaiian Independence Day, on Saturday, November 14, 2026. The event, which will take place at Haleʻōlelo, College of Hawaiian Language, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, is free and open to the public. It aims to educate and celebrate the historical recognition of Hawaii as an independent nation by Great Britain and France through the Anglo-Franco Proclamation on November 28, 1843. The festivities will include educational activities, performances, live Hawaiian music, food trucks, and various vendors, inviting both the UH Hilo ʻohana and community members to participate in honoring this significant historical event.
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Tropical Storm Pena to Pass South of Hawaiian Islands, Minimizing Direct Impact

Tropical Storm Pena to Pass South of Hawaiian Islands, Minimizing Direct Impact

A new tropical storm, named Pena, has formed south and east of Hawaii. National Hurricane Center forecasters in Miami began issuing advisories for Tropical Storm Pena, which was located approximately 620 miles south-southeast of South Point on the Big Island as of Friday evening. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and was moving west at 12 mph. Forecasters at the National Weather Service office in Honolulu have indicated that Pena is expected to remain well to the south of Hawaii, thus avoiding a direct impact on the islands. However, the storm is anticipated to enhance trade winds and could contribute to potential wind advisory conditions in typically windier areas. Brief heavy showers were also possible through Friday night, though a flood watch was not expected.
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Waiākea High School in Hilo Inaugurates New Health Training Lab to Expand Healthcare Career Pathways

Waiākea High School in Hilo Inaugurates New Health Training Lab to Expand Healthcare Career Pathways

Waiākea High School in Hilo, Hawaii, recently hosted a blessing ceremony to mark the beginning of a new health training lab project. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Honolulu-based nonprofit Hawaiʻi 3Rs, the Healthcare Association of Hawaiʻi, and the Hawaiʻi Department of Education. The project aims to convert an existing school building into a dedicated facility where students can gain hands-on experience and explore various healthcare careers. The new lab is anticipated to be completed by summer 2027 and represents the second such facility established through this partnership, following the first at Waiʻanae High School on Oʻahu. This development is part of the broader 'Aulama I Ke Ola initiative, which seeks to create a statewide network of health learning labs in public high schools, particularly focusing on underserved communities.
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Tropical Storm Pena Expected to Strengthen into Hurricane, Remain South of Hawaii

Tropical Storm Pena Expected to Strengthen into Hurricane, Remain South of Hawaii

Tropical Storm Pena, which formed far southeast of Hawaii Island, is projected to intensify into a weak hurricane by next week, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. As of Saturday at 5 p.m., Pena was located 530 miles south of South Point, moving west at 9 mph with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecasts a gradual strengthening of Pena over the coming days due to favorable sea surface temperatures and low vertical wind shear. By Wednesday, Pena is expected to reach minimal hurricane strength with 75 mph winds. National Weather Service forecasters indicate that a high-pressure ridge north of Hawaii will keep the storm on a westerly track, ensuring it passes well south of the Hawaiian islands. The islands are anticipated to experience breezy tradewinds through the weekend and into early next week.
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Hawaii Couple Embraces Off-Grid Living, Highlights Challenges and Freedoms

Hawaii Couple Embraces Off-Grid Living, Highlights Challenges and Freedoms

Hawaii Couple Embraces Off-Grid Living, Highlights Challenges and Freedoms
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Kailua Park in Kona Initiates Major Upgrade Project, Targeting Early 2028 Completion

Kailua Park in Kona Initiates Major Upgrade Project, Targeting Early 2028 Completion

Kailua Park in Kona has commenced a significant construction project aimed at upgrading its facilities. The initiative, celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Mayor Kimo Alameda, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and County Council members, addresses long-standing needs for improved amenities. Key components of the project include the construction of two new restrooms with showers at the beach park, replacing older, closed facilities. Additionally, a new restroom will be built next to the Makae‘o Events Pavilion, and a new concession building with an adjacent restroom will be erected near the ballfield. The project also involves the demolition of the old terminal building and the creation of a new parking lot system in that area. Goodfellow Sun JV is the construction contractor, with an anticipated completion date in early 2028. This development follows the closure of one restroom due to a 2023 fire and another due to safety concerns, alongside the structural deterioration of the old t...
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Hawaiian Teenager Eric Schultz Overcomes Homelessness to Graduate High School

Hawaiian Teenager Eric Schultz Overcomes Homelessness to Graduate High School

Eric Schultz, an 18-year-old from Oahu, Hawaii, has successfully graduated from Waianae High School after enduring years of homelessness. Schultz's journey began at age 15 when his parents struggled with addiction, leading him to live in his car for nearly a year while continuing his education. Despite these challenges, he remained committed to his goal of graduating. The latest Point-in-Time count revealed 802 homeless minors on Oahu, including Schultz. He received significant support from his community, particularly from Desiree Adams, who became his 'hanai auntie.' Adams provided him with food and a stable home environment, working with his parents to ensure his return to school. Schultz expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing that his accomplishment was a result of his own choices and determination.
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Tropical Storm Pena Forms South of Hawaii, Expected to Strengthen

Tropical Storm Pena Forms South of Hawaii, Expected to Strengthen

Tropical Storm Pena has formed in the Pacific Ocean, located well south of the Hawaiian islands. As of Friday, Pena had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (72 kph). The storm was centered approximately 650 miles (1,046 kilometers) southeast of South Point, Hawaii, and about 1,350 miles (2,173 kilometers) east-southeast of Johnston Island, according to an advisory from the Miami-based U.S. National Hurricane Center. Pena is currently moving west at 12 mph (19 kph). The Pacific Ocean has experienced an active hurricane season, partly attributed to the El Niño phenomenon.
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Disney Experiences Seeks Experienced Cook 1 for Aulani Resort in Kapolei, Hawaii

Disney Experiences Seeks Experienced Cook 1 for Aulani Resort in Kapolei, Hawaii

Disney Experiences Seeks Experienced Cook 1 for Aulani Resort in Kapolei, Hawaii
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Kilauea Volcano Erupts, Lava Fountains Light Up Hawaii

Kilauea Volcano Erupts, Lava Fountains Light Up Hawaii

Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano has erupted, sending dramatic lava fountains into the sky. The eruption is a natural spectacle, with molten rock spewing from the volcano's summit and creating a fiery display visible from miles away. Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, is located on Hawaii's Big Island and has a history of frequent eruptions. This latest activity is drawing attention from residents and visitors alike, as the glowing lava illuminates the night sky. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure public safety and assess any potential risks to nearby communities.
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Kilauea Eruption Sends Lava Fountains 660 Feet High

Kilauea Eruption Sends Lava Fountains 660 Feet High

The ongoing eruption at Halemaʻumaʻu crater, located at the summit of Kīlauea volcano in Hawaii, continues as of November 5, 2026. Lava fountains have reached heights of up to 660 feet (200 meters), while volcanic plumes extend 18,000 feet (5,500 meters) above sea level. Winds are dispersing volcanic gases and ash southwest and northwest of the crater. All eruptive activity remains confined to the Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Tephra fall, including volcanic ash and Pele’s Hair, is concentrated within 3 miles (5 km) of the vents, with lighter particles traveling farther. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has issued a WATCH alert level and an ORANGE aviation color code for the eruption. (Source: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, November 5, 2026, 2:34 PM HST)
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Hawaii AI and Cloud Innovation Summit Explores AI Self-Reliance and Economic Growth

Hawaii AI and Cloud Innovation Summit Explores AI Self-Reliance and Economic Growth

Hawaii AI and Cloud Innovation Summit Explores AI Self-Reliance and Economic Growth