“Hundreds honor life, legacy of beloved kumu hula Nalani Kanaka’ole.”
Views expressed in this Hawaii Island, Maui, and Kauai news update are those of the reporters and correspondents.
Accessed on 22 February 2026, 2325 UTC.
Content and Source: “BigIslandNow.com.”
URL–https://bigislandnow.com/
Please check URL or scroll down to read your selections. Thanks for joining us today.
Russ Roberts (https://hawaiinewsjournal.com).
NewsUPDATE: High wind warning extended through today, tonight for Big Island summits
East Hawaii NewsUPDATE: Police report Hawaiʻi Belt Road is reopen to all traffic at Kaʻawaliʻi Gulch
Hundreds honor life, legacy of beloved kumu hula Nālani Kanakaʻole
Esteemed kumu hula Nālani Kanakaʻole, whose life’s work transformed Native Hawaiian cultural traditions globally, was honored in a traditional Hawaiian ceremony, underscoring her far-reaching influence in hula and Hawaiian values.February 22, 2026 · 8:17 AM HST
News3-year-old Waikōloa girl dies after hit by SUV in residential complex parking lot
East Hawaii News13 motorists arrested for DUI week of Feb. 2-8 on Big Island roadways
In Case You
Missed It:
Missed It:
Registration for Big Island’s summer meal program Kaukau 4 Keiki opens next week
UPDATE: High surf advisory canceled for Big Island east-facing shorelines
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…
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Stay in-the-know with daily or weekly
headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Big Island News
February 22, 2026 · 1:00 PM
Parents, guardians encouraged to complete 2025-26 Hawai‘i Department of Education School Quality Survey
The feedback garnered from the survey is invaluable, plus it helps state education officials and school leadership assess as well as enhance the quality of education in Hawai‘i schools; all responses also are strictly confidential.
February 22, 2026 · 9:54 AM
UPDATE: High wind warning extended through today, tonight for Big Island summits
West winds of 50 to 60 mph, with gusts up to 70 mph, continue to be expected to whip across the mountaintops through today and into the beginning of the work week.
February 22, 2026 · 5:00 AM
Hundreds honor life, legacy of beloved kumu hula Nālani Kanakaʻole
Esteemed kumu hula Nālani Kanakaʻole, whose life’s work transformed Native Hawaiian cultural traditions globally, was honored in a traditional Hawaiian ceremony, underscoring her far-reaching influence in hula and Hawaiian values.
February 22, 2026 · 3:00 AM
Hawai‘i County reduces vacancies by 100 positions in past year, workforce still down 17%
The county has received more than 10,300 applications in 2025, compared to 9,200 in 2024, but still has 589 open positions.
February 22, 2026 · 1:00 AM
Young Brothers adjusts sailing schedule as needed because of expected severe ocean conditions
Severe weather continues to impact the islands this weekend and is forecast to worsen, generating hazardous ocean conditions between the islands early next week, especially for the islands of Hawai‘i and Maui.
February 21, 2026 · 3:45 PM
UPDATE: Police report Hawaiʻi Belt Road is reopen to all traffic at Kaʻawaliʻi Gulch
Part of the roadway south of Paʻauilo was closed several hours while materials from an unsecured load that fell and blocked one lane had to be removed.
February 21, 2026 · 3:14 PM
3-year-old Waikōloa girl dies after hit by SUV in residential complex parking lot
Authorities are not releasing the toddler’s name because of her age; she reportedly ran behind the Nissan Pathfinder driven by a 26-year-old Waikōloa woman as it was backing up, receiving critical injuries.
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 · 5:00 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.
UPCOMING FEATURED EVENTS:
Every Tuesday · 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
Farmers Market
Every Tuesday · 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Ukulele Lessons with Kris Fuchigami
Every Thursday · 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
The Queens’ Culinary 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.
DFI
Full-Time Residential Housekeeper
Kona · 1 week ago
Full-Time Residential Housekeeper
Kona · 1 week ago
Kona UPS Center
Warehouse Worker – Package Handler
Kona · 1 month ago
Warehouse Worker – Package Handler
Kona · 1 month ago
Hawaii Public Housing Authority
Housing Public Housing Supervisor V
Hilo · 3 weeks ago
Housing Public Housing Supervisor V
Hilo · 3 weeks ago
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
Young Brothers adjusts sailing schedule as needed because of expected severe ocean conditions
February 22, 2026 · 1:00 AM HST
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
Maui Now
Lahainaluna Agricultural Learning Center and Treecovery forge new partnership
Recently, more than 30 students participated in planting 15 trees and transplanting over 100 saplings, which will be cared for by agricultural students until they are ready to be donated to homeowners engaged in rebuilding efforts.
Hawaiian Council to provide onsite assistance for OHA’s I Ola Emergency Relief Fund on Molokaʻi
Up to $350 in grocery assistance is available for eligible Native Hawaiian SNAP recipients with minor dependents who experienced financial hardship during the 2025 government shutdown.
Maui 5K celebrates 15 years on March 1
Maui Ocean Center will present the 15th annual Maui 5K from 7 to 9 a.m. Sunday, March 1. Online registration, including new youth rates for ages 5 to 17, ends Feb. 26.
Closing pule marks completion of Lahaina wildfire debris transfer to permanent site
The County of Maui marked the completion of Lahaina wildfire debris transfer with a pule at the Permanent Disposal Site in Central Maui.
As demand for organic food rises, federal program to help local farmers transition is cut short
Maui’s ‘Oko’a Farms is one of 43 Hawai’i farms enrolled in the Transition to Organic Partnership Program, which is trying to help as many farmers as it can before the program ends this year, cut short by federal changes.
Kaua‘i Now
Threat of flash flooding returns early this afternoon for all of Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau
A new flood watch will be in effect from noon today (Feb. 22) through 6 a.m. Monday (Feb. 23) as slow-moving, heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms develop over island interiors before shifting to windward and mauka areas of the islands tonight.
New research reshapes timeline for one of earliest chapters in human history
A study confirms that Homo erectus, the direct ancestor of modern humans, appeared in Yunxian, China 1.7 million years ago, about 600,000 years earlier than previous studies indicated.
Life and legacy of beloved kumu hula Nālani Kanakaʻole honored during funeral in Hilo
Esteemed kumu hula Nālani Kanakaʻole, whose life’s work transformed Native Hawaiian cultural traditions globally, was honored in a traditional Hawaiian ceremony, underscoring her far-reaching influence in hula and Hawaiian values.
Kauaʻi environmental, flood forecasting projects recommended for first green fee funding
“One of the beautiful things about the green fee is that it provides funds year after year,” said Helen Raine, the Hawai’i conservation coordinator for Pacific Birds.
UPDATE: National Weather Service lifts flood watch early for Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau
Forecasters on Saturday (Feb. 21) extended the watch overnight, until 6 a.m. today (Feb. 23), because of persistent unstable weather that had already produced heavy rainfall resulting in flooding of Hanalei River and flash flooding causing rapid runoff and more around Kaua‘i.
Discover more from Hawaii News Journal
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
