Top headlines from across Hawaiʻi

AI brief

AI-generated from recent headlines

Statewide

Weather and surf remain a daily anchor across the islands, with Maui, the Big Island, and Kauaʻi all facing the usual trade-wind mix of showers and moderate surf. Beyond the forecasts, the bigger statewide threads are tourism strategy, public safety, and the economy: Maui is looking for higher-spending visitors as the state tries to close the Japan travel gap, while Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami has now entered the lieutenant governor race, adding another layer to the 2026 political picture. On the economic front, separate reports from BigIslandNow.com and Kauaʻi point to a labor market that remains soft, even as local business and service updates continue island by island. Public safety and community resilience also stand out, from a missing Big Island teen found safe to Kauaʻi’s opioid warning and Maui’s road repair and visitor-safety efforts.

Maui

Maui’s biggest near-term themes are tourism recovery and community life. MauiNow.com reports the state is trying to rebuild the Japan market while Maui looks for travelers who spend more, and South Kīhei Road remains under storm-related repair work. On the community side, Pa‘ūpili Third Saturdays are returning to Lahaina, while Hoʻokipa’s surf championship legacy and MEO’s new Molokaʻi bus point to ongoing investment in local access and activity. There is also practical information for residents and visitors, including a visitor-safety presentation in Kīhei-Wailea and a renewable energy proposal process for Lānaʻi.

Big Island

The Big Island’s immediate focus is on weather, volcano activity, and public safety. BigIslandNow.com’s forecast calls for another unsettled day, while Kīlauea’s next fountaining episode could begin any time through May 14. Police also confirmed a missing 13-year-old girl was found in good health, a reassuring end to a fast-moving search. Elsewhere, the island is still dealing with broader quality-of-life issues, from food drive efforts and kūpuna safety outreach in Puna to business recognition in Hilo and fundraising after a fatal crash.

Kauaʻi

Kauaʻi is dealing with a mix of routine island updates and a few more consequential developments. Weather and surf forecasts show the usual trade-wind pattern, but the more urgent local story is the sentencing of a Kapaʻa woman in a coronavirus assistance fraud case. Residents also need to note the closure of Kapaʻa Pool starting May 13 because of a mechanical issue. On the broader public-health and community side, the state’s warning about 7-OH is relevant statewide, while Sunset Adoption Nights and the youth golf program’s summer registration point to the island’s steady community calendar.

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