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Hawaii's State Fish, the Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, Holds Unique Cultural and Biological Significance

Hawaii's State Fish, the Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, Holds Unique Cultural and Biological Significance

The humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, also known as the reef triggerfish (Rhinecanthus rectangulus), is Hawaii's official state fish, a title it regained permanently in 2006 after an initial designation in 1985 that expired in 1990. This fish is notable for its distinctive appearance, featuring bold black-and-gold markings, and its exceptionally long Hawaiian name, which translates to 'triggerfish with a snout like a pig.' The name itself is longer than the fish's body, reflecting its physical characteristics. Beyond its unique nomenclature, the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa possesses a remarkable defense mechanism: it can lock its dorsal spine upright and wedge itself into reef cracks, making it nearly impossible for predators to dislodge. This 'trigger' mechanism is where triggerfish derive their common name. These fish are year-round residents of Hawaii's reefs, including popular snorkeling spots like Molokini Crater and Turtle Town.
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Governor Green Designates 25 Census Tracts for Hawai'i Opportunity Zones 2.0 Program

Governor Green Designates 25 Census Tracts for Hawai'i Opportunity Zones 2.0 Program

Governor Green Designates 25 Census Tracts for Hawai'i Opportunity Zones 2.0 Program
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Honolua Blomfield and Kai Sallas Secure Victories at HTA Haleʻiwa Pro Longboard Event

Honolua Blomfield and Kai Sallas Secure Victories at HTA Haleʻiwa Pro Longboard Event

Honolua Blomfield and Kai Sallas Secure Victories at HTA Haleʻiwa Pro Longboard Event
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Hawaii Maintains Unique Five-County System Rooted in Royal History and Territorial Formation

Hawaii Maintains Unique Five-County System Rooted in Royal History and Territorial Formation

Hawaii operates with only five counties: Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, and Kalawao, a structure established in 1905, decades before its statehood in 1959. This limited number of counties is a direct result of Hawaii's unique historical development, which includes its past as an independent kingdom and its territorial period under the United States. Unlike most U.S. states, Hawaii does not have separate incorporated towns or cities; instead, county governments handle most municipal services. For example, the City and County of Honolulu consolidates city and county functions for Oahu. The county boundaries largely align with the major islands or groups of islands, a practical approach given the archipelago's geography. Kalawao County, located on the Kalaupapa Peninsula of Molokai, is particularly unique, having been established as a settlement for individuals with Hansen's disease and remaining under the jurisdiction of the Hawaii Department of Health rather than having an elected government.
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Delta Air Lines Launches New Nonstop Flight from Minneapolis-St. Paul to Maui

Delta Air Lines Launches New Nonstop Flight from Minneapolis-St. Paul to Maui

Delta Air Lines Launches New Nonstop Flight from Minneapolis-St. Paul to Maui
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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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They first visited this hotel in 1990. Why they keep coming back

They first visited this hotel in 1990. Why they keep coming back

This family has been visiting the same Oahu resort for over 35 years. Here's why they keep returning.
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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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Archaeological Survey Concludes at Kailua Municipal Parking Lot

Archaeological Survey Concludes at Kailua Municipal Parking Lot

The archaeological survey at the Kailua Municipal Parking Lot is concluding today, November 6, 2026. The survey, which has been ongoing, required the temporary closure of up to eight parking stalls at a time between 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM. Alternate parking was made available at 25 Aulike St. The Department of Design and Construction oversaw the survey. This archaeological work is a standard procedure often conducted before significant construction or renovation projects to identify and preserve any historical or cultural artifacts that may be present beneath the surface.
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Breezy Trade Winds Continue Across Hawaii

Breezy Trade Winds Continue Across Hawaii

Hawaii is experiencing breezy and gusty trade winds as Tropical Storm Pena passes far south of the islands. These winds are expected to ease to typical speeds early in the week before strengthening again midweek. Passing showers are primarily affecting windward areas and mountainous regions, with occasional heavier rainfall in localized areas such as Kona, which recently recorded nearly 3 inches of rain. A cold front later in the week may bring additional showers and gusty winds, though the intensity remains uncertain. Surf conditions are also notable, with elevated waves on north-facing shores and rough surf on east-facing shores expected to persist.
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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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U.S. National Parks and Cities Highlighted as Top Family Adventure Travel Destinations

U.S. National Parks and Cities Highlighted as Top Family Adventure Travel Destinations

U.S. National Parks and Cities Highlighted as Top Family Adventure Travel Destinations