The IRONMAN Foundation has awarded a record $350,000 donation to the Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center to fund two mobile health trailers for Nāʻālehu following the destruction caused by Hurricane Lala.

With Hawaiʻi's recent primary election turnout dropping to just 33.1%, the League of Women Voters of Hawaiʻi County explores the historical roots of voter apathy and urges residents to reclaim their voice this National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 15.

In the wake of Hurricane Lala, the Kaʻū community has demonstrated incredible resilience and aloha. This delayed issue features dedicated storm recovery coverage, a call to support rebuilding local advertisers, and exciting updates on our new federal nonprofit status and website launch.

Results from the Aug. 8 Primary Election set up a District 6 council showdown between Guy Enriques and Zed Aki, while Jeanné Kapela and Jill Tokuda secure victories alongside two state constitutional ballot measures.

Stargazing guide for Sept/Oct 2026 featuring planetary alignments, the Hawaiian starline of Kalupeokawelo, and groundbreaking solar discoveries from Maui's Haleakalā telescope.

After negotiations fail and the county's lease ends on August 29, the Kaʻū Community Development Plan Action Committee forms a working group to engage landowners regarding the future of Punaluʻu Beach.

State Rep. Jeanné Kapela announces an estimated $123 million in Highway 11 and island-wide repaving projects over the next five years, addressing key stretches in Kaʻū.

After 20 years leading Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary, principal Sharon Beck has retired, welcoming incoming principal Tiffany Pratt to the helm.

Check out the 2026 Fall Sports Schedule for Kaʻū High and Intermediate School athletics, featuring volleyball, football, riflery, cross-country, and bowling.

St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ocean View provides essential community services, from hot meals and showers to medical care, and steps up support following Hurricane Lala.

Drew Foster reviews Willy Vlautin’s latest novel, The Left and the Lucky, exploring its blue-collar characters, Portland setting, and the unique bond between a housepainter and his young neighbor.

Lifelong Kaʻū resident Homer Hashimoto shares memories of growing up in Pāhala, a 40-year career working local plantations and ranches, raising a family, and staying connected to his community.

Senior expo participant Hailey Brown shares her recipe for delicious macadamia nut banana bread in this issue’s Kaʻū Kaukau column.

Pamela Lara explores how to combat age-related muscle loss through proper nutrition, local foods, and everyday movement in the latest Kaʻū Olakino column.

This issue's Kaʻū Mele offering, "A Hundred Years Ago" by John Harn, reflects on the unseen history of Sugar Mill Road. The poem explores the legacy of plantation life, the echoes of immigrant crews, and the enduring resilience of the land.

Despite elevated mortgage rates, the Kaʻū real estate market showed encouraging stability through June and July as lifestyle-driven buyers remained active. Read the latest market update for insights on buyer selectivity, the top reasons homes sit on the market, and why proper preparation wins.

Five Ka‘ū High School students traveled to Indianapolis to represent Hawai‘i at the 50th annual Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) International Leadership Conference. Read about their unforgettable journey, connecting with 15,000 global delegates, and exploring the future of medical technologies.

The future of Punaluʻu Black Sands Beach remains a pressing question for the Kaʻū community. While county ownership would guarantee continued public services and access, potential operation by Black Sand Beach LLC leaves many questions unanswered.

The County of Hawaiʻi and Black Sand Beach LLC extended leases for Punaluʻu Beach Click to open side panel for more information park parcels through September 1, 2026, as the County pursues potential acquisition through its PONC land preservation program.

The 7th annual Experience Volcano Festival brought art, music, and cultural demonstrations to Volcano village with performances by Wendell Ing and Puna Taiko, lauhala weaving, and local vendors.