Hawaiʻi Island

A new study by University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo researcher Maria Steadmon looks at bacteria levels at six of Hilo's popular swimming and surfing spots.

The exhibit “Whorl” captures the essence of humans and nature through book sculptures at East Hawai‘i Cultural Center in Hilo until May 31.

A recent report from the Hawaiʻi attorney general on firearm registrations in the state contained some puzzling numbers. The Conversation spoke with Hawaiʻi County Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz, who was also surprised by the report.

Kahaluʻu Beach Park on the west side of Hawaiʻi Island will temporarily close starting Thursday to allow for coral spawning. The public won’t be able to swim, snorkel or surf in the bay, which is home to a coral reef ecosystem.

Elected officials, health experts and others celebrated the groundbreaking of construction and renaming of the Straub Benioff Medical Center, following a $100 million donation from tech billionaire and philanthropist Marc Benioff.

Akaka Falls State Park on Hawaiʻi Island will temporarily close on weekdays starting Wednesday to undergo rockfall mitigation work.

Child & Family Service's Transitional Family Homes program on Hawaiʻi Island is looking for a handful more families to become "therapeutic foster parents" for children and teens in need.

A 1,200-foot-long ti leaf lei made by the Kohala community on Hawaiʻi Island was draped across Pololū Valley over the weekend. As HPR's Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi reports, the lei ritual is a reminder of a growing community of residents opposed to increased development in the area.

Last week the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that its Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage rainfall index insurance program will include Hawai'i in 2025. The insurance is meant to protect ranchers who lose foraging grass because of a lack of expected rainfall.

The Windward Planning Commission has paused the 434-acre project in Punaluʻu on Big Island as Native Hawaiian and environmental groups prepare for a contested case hearing over the controversial development. Black Sand Beach LLC proposes 225 residential and short-stay units, with a supporting village. HPR's Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi reports on the latest changes.