“2026 Big Island Chocolate Festival debuts free chocolate farmers market, promises sweet shindig.”
Views expressed in this Hawaii Island, Maui, and Kauai news update are those of the reporters and correspondents. Accessed on 18 April 2026, 0135 UTC.
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NewsVisitor arrested, charged in relation to stabbing incident on a 3-hour snorkel tour
CommunitySwitch to natural gas offers only modest gains, but big risks for Hawaiʻi energy costs
2026 Big Island Chocolate Festival debuts free Chocolate Farmers Market, promises sweet shindig
The new event showcases local cacao growers and chocolate makers; 3-day festival also includes educational activities, farm tour, college student chocolate competition, grand gala and much more.April 17, 2026 · 5:00 AM HST
High School/Youth SportsBig Island Spring Classic happening this weekend at Waikōloa Beach and Golf Resort
BusinessRelief available to Hawai‘i businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by…
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Zonta local, international STEM awards given to University of Hawai‘i student
Consumer Alert: Public warned about investment scams on Meta platforms
Several grad programs at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa earn national recognition
Mango Medical hosts free Health Career Exploration Seminar 2026 in Waimea
Hawaiʻi prevails: Federal case seeking to block state’s fossil fuel claims…
Residents displaced by kona low storms can connect with housing, recovery support via…
This is what Hawaiʻi County public safety departments proposed for their new budgets
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for April 17-23: Freaky Tiki, Uncle Charlie, Maisey…
Workshop ‘How Clinical Trials Save Lives’ emphasizes benefits to patient care…
Hawai‘i County Council begins budget discussions for upcoming fiscal year
Polynesian Voyaging Society honors 50th anniversary of Hōkūleʻa’s maiden voyage
GoFarm Hawaiʻi webinar to focus on planning for the future, including farm succession…
Hawaiʻi Energy distributes 182 energy-efficient appliances to Big Island households
Hawaiʻi businesses reminded to file their second quarter annual business reports
Hawaiʻi is new member of global effort to improve public health emergency response
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Big Island News
April 17, 2026 · 3:10 PM
Visitor arrested, charged in relation to stabbing incident on a 3-hour snorkel tour
Passengers onboard a vessel restrained Avery Nissen, 21, after he reportedly stabbed the captain of a boat while on a 3-hour snorkel tour.
April 17, 2026 · 3:00 PM
Switch to natural gas offers only modest gains, but big risks for Hawaiʻi energy costs
New University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization report finds that while natural gas is often far cheaper than oil on the mainland United States, Hawaiʻi faces higher costs because the fuel must be cooled, shipped across the ocean and converted back into gas.
April 17, 2026 · 1:00 PM
Big Island Spring Classic happening this weekend at Waikōloa Beach and Golf Resort
Keiki will be coming throughout the state to compete on Hawai‘i Island.
April 17, 2026 · 10:56 AM
Relief available to Hawai‘i businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by Kona low storms
These loans are in response to the Presidential disaster declaration issued on April 7, which covers Physical Damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster loans.
April 17, 2026 · 10:00 AM
Zonta local, international STEM awards given to University of Hawai‘i student
Danielle Bartz, doctorate candidate in marine biology at University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, was first awarded the $2,000 STEM Award from Zonta Club of Hilo, advancing her to the international level, where she won the $10,000 2026 Zonta International Women in STEM Award.
April 17, 2026 · 8:00 AM
Consumer Alert: Public warned about investment scams on Meta platforms
These scams include pump-and-dump scams, confidence scams and fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes that take advantage of victims to extract as much money from them as possible.
April 17, 2026 · 5:00 AM
2026 Big Island Chocolate Festival debuts free Chocolate Farmers Market, promises sweet shindig
The new event showcases local cacao growers and chocolate makers; 3-day festival also includes educational activities, farm tour, college student chocolate competition, grand gala and much more.
April 17, 2026 · 4:34 AM
Hawaiʻi County Department of Environmental Management outlines its budget for council
The Hawaiʻi County Council reviewed the Department of Environmental Management’s proposed $95.5 million budget amidst concerns over unfilled positions and funds not used from the previous year.
April 17, 2026 · 3:00 AM
Volcano Watch: Fountains and festivities; Kīlauea erupts Episode 44 as Merrie Monarch begins
Comparing different eruptions can be a bit like comparing apples to oranges. But no matter how you compare, the ongoing eruption made an impression in terms of its longevity, with two active vents and impacts to areas downwind, including the changing topography of the summit.
April 17, 2026 · 1:00 AM
Several grad programs at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa earn national recognition
Ten programs are in the nation’s top 50, and an additional 17 are in the top 100, as ranked by the 2026 U.S. News and World Report’s Best Graduate Schools.
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UPCOMING FEATURED EVENTS:
Every 3rd Saturday of the Month · 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Kanikapila Monthly Concert Series
Sat, Apr 18, 2026 · 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
KTA Puainako’s Customer Appreciation Day
Sat, Apr 25, 2026 · 7:30 am – 9:00 am
Race for the Reef 5k
Local Entertainment
April 17, 2026 · 5:00 AM
2026 Big Island Chocolate Festival debuts free Chocolate Farmers Market, promises sweet shindig
The new event showcases local cacao growers and chocolate makers; 3-day festival also includes educational activities, farm tour, college student chocolate competition, grand gala and much more.
April 16, 2026 · 3:00 AM
Top 10 things to do on Big Island for April 17-23: Freaky Tiki, Uncle Charlie, Maisey Rika, HI-CAL DEAD, kickball, Earth Day cleanup and more
It’s another week with plenty to do around the Big Island, but if you’re a music enthusiast — or just like to listen to great tunes — several venues have events planned that are pitch perfect for you; check out this week’s top 10 things to do on the Big Island now!
April 16, 2026 · 1:00 AM
Art exhibit explores Mauna Loa as more than a geological structure
“36 Views of Mauna Loa” uses a diverse range of art mediums to explore the volcano and will be on display at the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center until Friday, June 12.
April 15, 2026 · 3:00 AM
Polynesian Voyaging Society honors 50th anniversary of Hōkūleʻa’s maiden voyage
A series of storytelling, educational initiatives, musical performances and fundraising efforts throughout this year will reflect on the legacy of the voyage and its enduring impact.
April 12, 2026 · 3:00 AM
Big Island’s Rhoda Magbitang tests her creativity on national TV’s ‘Top Chef’
The executive chef at the Mauna Lani resort’s CanoeHouse is taking on one of the biggest creative challenges of her career as she competes with other high-level chefs in Season 23 of the popular national television show.
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
Volcano Watch: Fountains and festivities; Kīlauea erupts Episode 44 as Merrie Monarch begins
April 17, 2026 · 3:00 AM HST
Partial monitoring network outage continues at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
April 12, 2026 · 9:12 AM HST
Volcano Watch: Caldera clues; tephra deposits from Kīlauea’s past
April 10, 2026 · 6:59 AM HST
Ocean Blog
26-year-old Big Island man dies in possible drowning at End of the World in West Hawai‘i
April 12, 2026 · 11:44 AM HST
Soggy situation: 12 Big Island locations already recorded 2 or more inches of rain, including 2 with more than 11 inches
April 8, 2026 · 9:09 AM HST
Sound Bytes: Synchronous swimming (with robots); behind the Hawaiʻi Glider Challenge
April 6, 2026 · 3:00 PM HST
Upcoming Kiaʻi o ke Kai focus groups seek ocean users, stewards to participate, talk story
April 6, 2026 · 1:00 AM HST
Maui Now
Hot Kūpuna Nights returns to Lahaina on April 22
The County of Maui Office of Recovery, in collaboration with the Hawaiian Music Perpetuation Society, invites kūpuna and their ʻohana to join the next Hot Kūpuna Nights on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Lahaina Civic Center Social Hall. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Free and open to the community, […]
Hawai‘i State Attorney General urges residents to verify charities when donating to Kona low disaster relief efforts
Hawai‘i residents are urged to verify where they are sending their money as charities and crowdfunding platforms solicit donations in the wake of the severe Kona low storms and floods.
Maui Chocolate Tour introduces new Farm and Feast Experience
The Maui Chocolate Tour at Ku‘ia Estates announced the launch of its new Farm and Feast Experience, combining an immersive cacao farm tour with a delightful dining experience at Sale Pepe Pizzeria e Cucina. This unique journey offers guests an opportunity to explore the rich agricultural heritage of Maui while indulging in delicious, locally-crafted chocolate and Italian-inspired cuisine.
Volcano Watch: Fountains and festivities; Kīlauea erupts Episode 44 as Merrie Monarch begins
Comparing different eruptions can be a bit like comparing apples to oranges. But no matter how you compare, the ongoing eruption made an impression in terms of its longevity, with two active vents and impacts to areas downwind, including the changing topography of the summit.
Senator McKelvey announces $250M for South and West Maui in Senate Draft of Supplemental State Budget
Senator Angus McKelvey (District 6, West Maui, Mā‘alaea, Waikapū, South Maui) announced that approximately $250 million in capital improvement project (CIP) funding has been secured in the Senate draft of the state budget bill, HB 1800 HD1 SD1. The funds will support critical infrastructure, recovery, and community investment projects across South and West Maui.
Kaua‘i Now
Registration for A+ after-school program opens next week
Families are urged to prepare documents needed for after-school program registration by April 22.
Relief available to Hawai‘i businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by Kona low storms
Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in Kalawao and Kaua‘i are only eligible to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
Bank of Hawaiʻi launches new Center for Family Business and Entrepreneurs
Center helps Hawaiʻi business owners plan for succession, unlock opportunity and navigate complexities of business, family and personal wealth.
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority seeks proposals for events, cultural preservation initiatives
The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is inviting organizations to apply for funding to support cultural preservation, enhance community experiences, and promote major events throughout the islands.
PlayStreets Kaua‘i, Kaua‘i Skate ‘Ohana to host Hanapēpē Skatepark Project kickoff party
New Hanapēpē Skatepark represents an investment of about $1.56 million to enhance recreational opportunities for youth and families on Kauaʻi’s westside; construction is set to begin Monday, April 27, and anticipated to be completed by fall this year.
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