“Collaborative study about complex shapes of reefs helps guide cutting-edge restoration.”
Views expressed in this Hawaii Island, Maui, and Kauai news summary are those of the reporters and correspondents.
Accessed on 21 February 2026, 2341 UTC.
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CommunityRegistration for Big Island’s summer meal program Kaukau 4 Keiki opens next week
NewsWinter weather advisory in effect above 12K feet for summits of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa
Collaborative study about complex shapes of reefs helps guide cutting-edge restoration
Marine scientists are creating geometric reef modules that mimick the intricate designs coral and oyster reefs to maximize survival.February 21, 2026 · 5:00 AM HST
East Hawaii NewsUPDATE: High surf advisory canceled for Big Island east-facing shorelines
CommunityIndividuals facing barriers to medical access receive free eye care in Kona last month
In Case You
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Bill to reduce taxes on groceries, nonprescription drugs in Hawaiʻi dies in committee
Trump tariffs struck down by US Supreme Court, ruling them as unconstitutional
FEMA approves $4M for permanent repairs to Pohoiki boat ramp, but more funding needed
Kaua‘i to host hole new level of fun on mini golf stage; ready to tee up for the…
Insights: Is Hawaiʻi being left behind
Volcano Watch: A sight to see; maintaining Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s webcams during…
Rising housing, food needs throughout Hawaiʻi revealed in annual 211 Report
Farm-to-Table Wok Cook-Off to promote agriculture as career path for Big Island youth
Register now for West Hawaiʻi Jr. NBA/WNBA Novice Boys, Open Co-Ed Basketball
Deadline approaches to apply for 2026 Fukunaga Scholarship
Applicants sought to fill vacancy on state Campaign Spending Commission
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Feb. 20-26: JuggleFest, ‘A Box of…
County extends voluntary compliance order for movement of coconut rhinoceros beetle host…
Power remains on in communities with high exposure to wildfire risk
Proposed new Hawaiʻi County tax rate for luxury second homes passes first reading
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Big Island News
February 21, 2026 · 10:05 AM
Big Island police: AVOID Hawaiʻi Belt Road at Kaʻawaliʻi Gulch near Paʻauilo
An unsecured load fell on the roadway and is blocking one lane of traffic; police advise motorists to avoid the area for at least the next 2 hours if can.
February 21, 2026 · 8:07 AM
13 motorists arrested for DUI week of Feb. 2-8 on Big Island roadways
Five of those drivers were involved in traffic crashes; three of them, or 23%, nearly a quarter, were younger than 21 years old; islandwide DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue.
February 21, 2026 · 7:00 AM
Registration for Big Island’s summer meal program Kaukau 4 Keiki opens next week
Kaukau 4 Keiki is a six-week program, sponsored by the nonprofit Vibrant Hawai‘i, that begins the week of June 22 and ends the week of July 31, 2026.
February 21, 2026 · 5:23 AM
Winter weather advisory in effect above 12K feet for summits of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa
Wintry weather atop the Big Island summits could make travel extremely difficult, especially with blowing snow significantly reducing visibility at times.
February 21, 2026 · 5:00 AM
Collaborative study about complex shapes of reefs helps guide cutting-edge restoration
Marine scientists are creating geometric reef modules that mimick the intricate designs coral and oyster reefs to maximize survival.
February 21, 2026 · 4:02 AM
UPDATE: High surf advisory canceled for Big Island east-facing shorelines
National Weather Service in Honolulu reports surf along eastern shorelines has fallen below advisory levels.
February 21, 2026 · 3:00 AM
Individuals facing barriers to medical access receive free eye care in Kona last month
Jenkins Eye Care and Project Vision Hawaiʻi is provided free eye exams to 20 unhoused individuals in Kona as part of ongoing outreach effort to provide urgent vision care to underserved communities.
February 21, 2026 · 1:00 AM
Bill to reduce taxes on groceries, nonprescription drugs in Hawaiʻi dies in committee
Hawaiʻi is one of only seven states that taxes groceries, the Hawai‘i Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice said in written testimony in support of the bill.
February 20, 2026 · 4:42 PM
Department of Health closes Kailua-Kona restaurant with multiple food safety violations
Jade Palace 2 will remain closed until all critical violations are resolved and it passes a follow-up inspection.
February 20, 2026 · 3:06 PM
Nā Hōkū Hoe: The Paddling Stars Talent Show
Big Island community invited and encouraged to attend a special one-of-a-kind evening showcasing incredible talents of ʻOhana Waʻa Laulima canoe club members and supporters to benefit the nonprofit that provides opportunities for people with special needs and the programs that uplift them.
UPCOMING FEATURED EVENTS:
TONIGHT · 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Kanikapila Monthly Concert Series
Every Monday · 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Weekly Hula
Every Tuesday · 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
Farmers Market
Local Entertainment
February 20, 2026 · 3:06 PM
Nā Hōkū Hoe: The Paddling Stars Talent Show
Big Island community invited and encouraged to attend a special one-of-a-kind evening showcasing incredible talents of ʻOhana Waʻa Laulima canoe club members and supporters to benefit the nonprofit that provides opportunities for people with special needs and the programs that uplift them.
February 20, 2026 · 9:00 AM
ʻImiloa in Hilo celebrates 20 years of creating space for curiosity, learning, dialogue
A birthday bash from 2 to 6 p.m. today will feature hands-on activities, anniversary treats, giveaways and full access to exhibits and the planetarium all for free; the celebration also kicks off a year of monthly anniversary programming throughout 2026.
February 20, 2026 · 7:00 AM
Kaua‘i to host hole new level of fun on mini golf stage; ready to tee up for the challenge?
United States ProMiniGolf Association for the first time is bringing its annual U.S. Open to Hawai‘i, with the 28th contest hitting the greens at Kaua‘i Mini Golf & Botanical Gardens in Anaina Hou Community Park in Kīlauea; you can even be part of the historic fun by heading to the Garden Isle to participate in the U.S. Open of Mini Golf Pro/Am Tournament.
February 19, 2026 · 11:00 AM
Register now for West Hawaiʻi Jr. NBA/WNBA Novice Boys, Open Co-Ed Basketball
Those interested in participating have until Feb. 25 to register.
February 19, 2026 · 3:00 AM
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Feb. 20-26: JuggleFest, ‘A Box of Chocolates,’ ‘Imiloa’s birthday, comedy and more
And that’s just a quick sample of the wide and, shall we say, unique variety of events and activities happening around the Big Island. Cure that ‘cabin fever’ and get out of the house to discover what we’re talking about.
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Big Island Polls
Big Island Now poll results: County garage is answer to downtown Kona’s parking woes
June 1, 2025 · 3:00 AM HST
Big Island Now poll: What is solution to parking woes on Ali‘i Drive in Kailua-Kona?
May 18, 2025 · 3:00 AM HST
Reminder: Permanent restrictions remain on the transport of ʻŌhiʻa
April 19, 2025 · 1:55 AM HST
Hawai’i Volcano Blog
Team Rubicon helps homeowners clean hazardous debris from Kīlauea eruption
February 20, 2026 · 5:00 AM HST
Volcano Watch: A sight to see; maintaining Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s webcams during a historic eruption
February 20, 2026 · 1:00 AM HST
UPDATE: Lava fountains reach up to 1,300 feet tall before end of Episode 42 in ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption ends
February 16, 2026 · 3:41 AM HST
Ocean Blog
Nā Hōkū Hoe: The Paddling Stars Talent Show
February 20, 2026 · 3:06 PM HST
Snorkel Bob’s expands to Queens’ Marketplace in Waikōloa
February 16, 2026 · 7:00 AM HST
Harbor pilot slips, falls into rough waters in ‘scary situation’ as cruise ship preps to enter Kaua‘i harbor
February 12, 2026 · 11:00 AM HST
UPDATE: High bacteria count advisory canceled at Kolekole Gulch in East Hawai‘i
January 14, 2026 · 3:55 AM HST
Maui Now
Volcano Watch — A sight to see: maintaining HVO’s webcams during a historic eruption
Visual observations have been a backbone in studies of volcanoes, from 2,000 years ago to now. They remain fundamental to understanding how volcanoes work, and technological advancements, such as livestreaming cameras, allow volcanic eruptions to be viewed from around the world.
Community input sought on additional protection of Alakaʻi Wilderness Preserve
Alakaʻi Wilderness Preserve is the only wilderness preserve in the islands and home to the headwaters of the Kawaikōī, Waikoali and Mōhihi streams; it is instrumental in safeguarding the Garden Isle’s water resources and native species, as well as providing for cultural practices.
Hawaiʻi County extends voluntary compliance order for movement of coconut rhinoceros beetle host materials
Residents and business operators in the voluntary compliance area are asked not to transport coconut rhinoceros beetle host materials that include decomposing plant material, plant propagation material, other items comprised of decomposing organic plant material and several genera of live palm plants; order will remain in place through April 30.
Lahainaluna HS Foundation plans an ‘All-Classes Reunion’ in Las Vegas, July 11, 2026
Lahainaluna High School Foundation has initiated plans for an “All-Classes Reunion” at the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The reunion is to celebrate and rekindle friendship, memories, and resilience, according to LHS Foundation Executive Director Art Fillazar.
Maui Weather Forecast for February 21, 2026
An upper level trough passes through the region today triggering periods of heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms mainly over the western half of the state…
Kaua‘i Now
UPDATE: Kūhiō Highway near Hanalei River Bridge reopen to traffic; flood watch still in effect
National Weather Service forecasters reported earlier that flood waters receded and heavy rainfall ended, so flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat; however, a flood watch remains in effect until 6 p.m. today (Feb. 21) for Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau, meaning conditions will continue to remain favorable for further flodding from heavy rainfall.
3 candidates now running to replace term-limited Derek Kawakami for Kauaʻi mayor
County Councilmember Felicia Cowden officially entered the Kauaʻi mayor race, joining former mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and County Council Chair Mel Rapozo.
UPDATE: High surf advisory for east-facing shores of Kauaʻi canceled
National Weather Service in Honolulu reports surf along eastern shorelines has fallen below advisory levels.
Okinawa and Kauaʻi lifeguards spend week exchanging lifesaving knowledge, culture
Okinawan lifeguards completed a weeklong Lifeguard Exchange Program with Kauaʻi ocean safety personel that fostered international collaboration in ocean safety.
Resource hub to support Kauaʻi against the growing threat of coconut rhinoceros beetle
A new website is providing Kauaʻi residents with essential information on pest identification, prevention, and treatment options consolidated together from local experts.
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