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.

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.

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.

Thirteen Kaʻū High School students joined youth sustainability leaders across Hawaiʻi on Kauaʻi to plan the 2027 National Zero Waste Convergence, connect with cultural stewards, and expand waste diversion initiatives in Kaʻū.

A Kaʻū News investigation reveals that Black Sand Beach LLC and an affiliated company owe nearly $150,000 in delinquent property taxes, putting several parcels near Punaluʻu at risk of a county tax sale.

The Pāhala Community Center hosted the 4th annual Kaʻū Community Health & Emergency Preparedness Fair, featuring local health resources, emergency tips, hula, taiko drums, and family activities.

Explore our neutral, non-partisan 2026 Hawaiʻi election voter guide for Kaʻū residents. Compare candidate Q&A responses for District 6 County Council, State House, Governor, and OHA Trustees on key local issues including housing, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development.

Students at Kaʻū Middle School are stepping up as official Ocean Guardians by planting Naupaka kahakai to prevent erosion and tracking shoreline stability at Punaluʻu. Discover how this collaborative community effort protects critical habitat for native wildlife and creates a future educational site.

Over 300 residents weighed in on the future of Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach in a recent community survey, prioritizing environmental protection, cultural sites, and the restoration of existing infrastructure over new commercial development.