Featured

Hawai‘i residents can expect a steady but slower economic climb this year as high construction demand and robust visitor spending help shield the islands from broader global headwinds.

A powerful kona storm is producing periods of hazardous weather impacts across the Hawaiian Islands through the weekend. Threats range from significant flash flooding, damaging winds, strong to severe thunderstorms, and snow and ice over the highest Big Island summits. Maui is under a High Wind Warning through Sunday morning and a Flood Watch through Saturday afternoon.

Due to continuing severe weather, all DLNR Division of State Parks properties on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island are closed until further notice. This includes ʻIolani Palace, the Queen Emma Summer Palace and Mauna ‘Ala (the Royal Mausoleum) on O‘ahu. Closures will remain in effect until state and county emergency management agencies have determined it is safe to resume normal operations. 

Visitor Tyler Gentry captured this picturesque time lapse video of West Maui while vacationing on Maui from Arizona. The imagery comes as Maui braces for severe weather impacts from a kona storm.

There is no tsunami expected after a 4.2 earthquake reported at 5:16 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026, located off the Kaʻū Coast of Hawaiʻi Island.

Hawaiian Electric is urging customers to prepare for extended power outages as a powerful kona storm system makes its way across the islands. While the company is monitoring conditions and preparing for storm-related outages, it does not anticipate implementing its Public Safety Power Shutoff Program despite false claims online.  

In coordination with the Maui Emergency Management Agency and County of Maui Department of Human Concerns, the American Red Cross opened shelters at Maui County Kaunakakai Gym on Molokaʻi, Lahaina Civic Center in West Maui, the South Maui Community Park gym and the Maui High School gym in Kahului.

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation is reminding people not to click on links in unsolicited text messages. Several scam text messages have been making the rounds claiming to be from a “Hawaiʻi Department of Motor Vehicles” regarding unpaid traffic violations or tolls.

Due to severe weather, the 106th Annual Kamehameha Song Contest has been postponed to Friday, May 1, 2026, when our students will take the stage to share this year’s mele honoring Ke Aliʻi Pauahi.

The Hawaiʻi State Legislature will be closed on Friday, March 13, following Gov. Josh Green’s announcement regarding the closure of state offices due to potentially severe weather conditions.

Maui Economic Opportunity will be closing its Wailuku, Hāna, Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi City offices and Head Start preschools Friday, March 13, due to the fierce wind and rain forecast from the powerful kona storm.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services announced the launch of a new Mandated Reporter Online Training Program, a comprehensive and accessible resource designed to ensure that individuals required by law to report suspected abuse or neglect, have the knowledge and tools necessary to carry out this critical responsibility.

Gov. Josh Green announced that all public and charter schools and state offices on Oʻahu, Kaua‘i and in Maui County will be closed on Friday, March 13, due to severe weather expected to impact the islands. 

The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary announces that state courts and Judiciary operations on Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, and in Maui County will be closed on Friday, March 13, due to inclement weather.

Beginning after sunset Thursday, March 12, 2026, Haleakalā National Park will be closed due to dangerous weather conditions. The closure will go into effect for both the Summit District and Kīpahulu District.

All University of Hawaiʻi campuses statewide will be closed on Friday, March 13, due to severe weather expected to impact the state, including heavy rain, flash flooding, severe thunderstorms and high winds.

In alignment with Gov. Josh Green’s directive issued on March 12 in response to severe weather conditions impacting the state, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education will implement the closure of all public schools and HIDOE offices on O‘ahu, Kaua‘i and in Maui County on Friday, March 13.

Catch spring Village Vibes at Maui Mall Village with family-friendly events and promotions throughout March. The center’s ever-popular annual Hoppy Easter Celebration can be enjoyed at Center Court, while the Spring into Village Vibes Gift with Purchase shopping promotion spreads springtime joy throughout the center as customers shop at its more than 30 stores, restaurants and business locations.

The Kapalua Wine & Food Festival announced its return for a milestone 45th annual celebration, taking place June 25-28, 2026.

Hawai‘i Ag & Culinary Alliance announced that applications are now open for Cohort 8 of the Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise Scholarship, a program designed to help Hawai‘i-based value-added food entrepreneurs grow their businesses using locally grown, raised, and caught ingredients. Applications are open now through Monday, April 20, 2026.