“Aloha, 2025: A look at some of the top Hawaii Island news stories.”

Views expressed in this Hawaii news update are those of the reporters and correspondents.

Accessed on 01 January 2026, 1554 UTC.

Content and Source: “Hawaii Newswire-EIN Presswire.”

https://world.einnews.com/state/hawaii.

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Russ Roberts (https://hawaiinewsjournal.com).

Hawaii Newswire

Published on 04:04 GMT

Incredible island dubbed ‘Hawaii of Europe’ is 23C in January with £17 flights

As murmurs of snow and icy conditions intensify, and the January weather settles in, it’s hardly surprising that many are dreaming of escaping to warmer climes – minus the peak-season throngs. Those blessed with sufficient funds and holiday allowance …

Source: Daily Express – Right-wing
Published on 10:20 GMT

Aloha, 2025: A look back at some of the top Hawaii Island news stories

Happy New Year! Today, as we usher in 2026, we bid aloha to 2025 and take a look back at the Top 10 stories of the year, as selected by the editorial staff of the Tribune-Herald. Affordable housing crisis persists The island’s and state’s lack of …

Source: Hawaii Tribune Herald – Neutral
Published on 10:13 GMT

In 2026, Hawaii will see a busy election, more rail construction, economic uncertainty

Hawaii’s 2026 is sure to feature a busy election season with many state and county seats on the ballot, and plenty of traffic disruptions as the ongoing rail construction heads into the Dillingham corridor and downtown. Less certain — but still likely to …

Source: Honolulu Star-Advertiser – Hawaii – Neutral
Published on 10:13 GMT

Hawaii saw fewer visitors, more money in November

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM / OCT. 31 Travelers pass the baggage claim area at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Hawaii’s visitor count was down slightly in November but the tourists who came to the islands spent considerably …

Source: Honolulu Star-Advertiser – Hawaii – Neutral
Published on 10:14 GMT

Editorial: Rebuilding in 2026 to transform Hawaii

The calendar has turned to a new year — and 2026 dawns with all the hopes, dreams and promise that every fresh year brings. In the months ahead, will we make the most of the precious time and achieve much, or will we squander away opportunities? Let’s lean …

Source: Honolulu Star-Advertiser – Hawaii – Neutral
Published on 02:51 GMT

Federal ruling blocks Hawaii’s climate change tourist tax on cruise ships

HONOLULU (AP) — A federal appeals court ruling on New Year’s Eve blocked Hawaii from enforcing a climate change tourist tax on cruise ships passengers, a levy that was set to go into effect at the start of 2026. Cruise Lines International Association …

Source: Associated Press – Neutral
Published on 10:13 GMT

‘Safe Roads Challenge’ promotes safe driving as Hawaii fatalities rise

JAMM AQUINO / MAY 8 Honolulu police officers join other community members and Council members in waving signs at Honolulu Hale for “Drive with Aloha Day.” State officials are launching the “Safe Roads Challenge” for 2026 in response to the surge in …

Source: Honolulu Star-Advertiser – Hawaii – Neutral
Published on 10:13 GMT

Letter: Hawaii Theatre snafu on tickets causes humbug

The Scrooge of the Season award goes to the Hawaii Theatre Center and those connected with the production of the “Rocky Mountain High Experience: A John Denver Christmas” that was scheduled for Dec. 28. Seven of us purchased tickets the first week of …

Source: Honolulu Star-Advertiser – Hawaii – Neutral
Published on 12:10 GMT

Kula Hawaiian Kitchen in Atascadero delivers elevated island comfort

When Chris and Ayako Williams set their sights on San Luis Obispo County, they were living in Las Vegas and looking for a small town to move to where they could buy a winery and set themselves up for retirement. Find your comfort Kula Hawaiian Kitchen is …

Source: SLO New Times – California – Pending
Published on 10:13 GMT

Not everything will be rosy in 2026, with pro golf’s future in Hawaii at the crossroads

The fun for many island sports fans in 2026 starts today when the University of Hawaii basketball teams play UC Riverside, the women at home and the men on the road. Then, on Friday, the men’s volleyball team — ranked No. 2 in the nation — starts its …

Source: Honolulu Star-Advertiser – Hawaii – Neutral
Published on 12:46 GMT

Hawaii vs. UC Riverside Predictions – Jan. 1

The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (10-2, 2-0 Big West) will attempt to continue a six-game win streak when they visit the UC Riverside Highlanders (6-8, 1-1 Big West) on January 1, 2026 at SRC Arena. Thursday’s matchup between the Rainbow Warriors and the …

Source: Fox Sport 990 – Hawaii – Pending
Published on 10:13 GMT

Letter: Hawaii Bowl scuffle mars thrilling UH win

I attended the Hawaii Bowl to watch football, and what unfolded was unforgettable. The Rainbow Warriors delivered a comeback filled with resilience and belief. Having attended the Warriors’ memorable wins over BYU in the mid-1980s, this game ranks right up …

Source: Honolulu Star-Advertiser – Hawaii – Neutral
Published on 10:13 GMT

State PUC approves Hawaiian Electric’s Wildfire Safety Strategy

The state Public Utilities Commission has approved Hawaiian Electric Co.’s 2025-2027 expanded wildfire safety strategy, which aims to reduce the likelihood and severity of wildfires before they occur, extending its focus beyond high-risk areas. PUC …

Source: Honolulu Star-Advertiser – Hawaii – Neutral
Published on 07:24 GMT

Hawaii County Surf Forecast for January 01, 2026

Forecast for Big Island Windward and Southeast Shores Tonight Thursday Surf Surf PM AM AM PM North Facing 10-14 8-12 7-10 6-8 East Facing 3-5 3-5 3-5 3-5 South Facing 1-3 1-3 1-3 1-3 TONIGHT Weather Mostly cloudy. Scattered showers. Low Temperature In the …

Source: Big Island Now – Hawaii – Neutral
Published on 08:12 GMT

Hawaii County Weather Forecast for January 01, 2026

Hilo Tonight: Mostly cloudy with scattered showers. Lows 57 to 66 near the shore to 47 to 54 at 4000 feet. Northwest winds up to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent. New Years Day: Partly sunny with scattered showers in the morning, then mostly sunny with …

Source: Big Island Now – Hawaii – Neutral
Published on 06:43 GMT

Hawaiian Humane Society urges you to keep pets safe on New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve could bring a bright and colorful sky as the new year approaches — but many furry friends aren’t impressed by the displays. The Hawaiian Humane Society is reminding residents that pets are sensitive to loud noises and bright flashes. …

Source: Hawaii Public Radio – Public Broadcaster
Published on 07:56 GMT

Hawaii vs. UC Riverside Time, TV & Stream – Jan. 1

The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (10-2, 2-0 Big West) will try to continue a six-game win streak when they visit the UC Riverside Highlanders (6-8, 1-1 Big West) on Thursday, January 1, 2026 at SRC Arena. The contest airs at 8 p.m. ET on Spectrum Sports. Catch …

Source: Fox Sport 990 – Hawaii – Pending
Published on 10:13 GMT

2 from Hawaii in Under Armour flag game

Kamehameha’s Hayden-Elyzabeth Kaahanui-Cera and Hanalani’s Maeva Koong will compete in the second annual Under Armour Next All-America Girls Flag Football Game on Saturday in DeLand, Fla. Kaahanui-Cera, a junior, will play for Team Pearls, and Koong, a …

Source: Honolulu Star-Advertiser – Hawaii – Neutral
Published on 05:42 GMT

Gorgeous island dubbed ‘Hawaii of Europe’ is 23C in January with £17 flights

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more Madeira hits 23C in January(Image: Aleh Varanishcha via Getty Images) As murmurs of snow and icy conditions intensify, and the January weather …

Source: The Mirror – Left-wing