Top headlines from across Hawaiʻi

AI brief

AI-generated from recent headlines

Statewide

Severe weather is the dominant statewide story, with closures and service disruptions on Maui, Molokaʻi, and Oʻahu, state workers sent home on Oʻahu, and flood, wind, and winter weather advisories still in effect on Hawaiʻi Island as Kauaʻi continues to deal with flooding concerns. The weather is also affecting travel and infrastructure, including a downed tree and fallen electric lines on Hāna Highway in Nāhiku and ongoing caution around high surf and showers across the islands. At the Capitol, the Legislature remains open for a key bill deadline despite the weather, keeping policy work moving even as counties contend with closures and hazards. Beyond the storm, local readers will also be watching Maui’s housing market, Kīlauea’s latest lava episode, and Merrie Monarch results that put Maui and Kauaʻi performers in the spotlight.

Maui

Maui’s biggest immediate issue is the weather, with a downed tree and fallen electric lines on Hāna Highway in Nāhiku and school and government closures tied to severe conditions. The county is also moving ahead on longer-term planning, including an April 15 virtual grant workshop for FY27 applicants and budget review for Water Supply and Management. On the economy and culture side, Maui housing sales picked up in March even as prices eased, and Faith Kealohapauʻole Paredes brought home the Miss Aloha Hula title.

Big Island

On Hawaiʻi Island, weather alerts remain the main concern, with showers, wind, and possible heavy rainfall affecting much of the island. The volcano remains active as well, with Episode 44 of Kīlauea lava fountaining ending Thursday night and Highway 11 reopening, while Volcano Watch looks back at caldera clues and tephra deposits from Kīlauea’s past. The island also saw a Hāweo Award for Officer Christopher Barto, and Maui dancer Faith Kealohapauʻole Paredes was highlighted in Merrie Monarch coverage from Hilo.

Kauaʻi

Kauaʻi is still dealing with unsettled weather, with flood advisories and warnings extended as heavy rain continued and forecast updates calling for showers and thunderstorms. Surf remains elevated too, especially on south- and west-facing shores, according to the latest surf forecast. Beyond the weather, the Legislature’s bill deadline is still on despite the storm, and a Kauaʻi soloist placed in the Miss Aloha Hula competition.

Latest headlines