Latest News
A recent study reveals coral reef ecosystems remain on the decline: 'It's a call to action'
By Alexus Barnhart | Sep 27, 2021
The Hawaiian Islands are home to 410,000 acres of living reef and more than 7,000 species of marine animals and plants.
Alaska Volcano Observatory Activity Notice 20210920_2012
By 'USGS VNS' via news BigIslandTimes | Sep 22, 2021
AVO/USGS Volcanic Activity Notice
Hawaiian public is 'strongly encouraged' to review Draft Environmental Assessment by Oct. 8
By John Kelly | Sep 21, 2021
The Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) for the decommissioning of the University of Hawaii at Hilo Hōkū Ke'a teaching telescope on Maunakea is posted by the University of Hawaii at Hilo for public review and comment.
Current Kilauea volcano alert level is 'Watch' and current aviation color code is 'Orange'
By Trina Thomas | Sep 10, 2021
On the evening of Aug. 23, a swarm of earthquakes was noticed under Kilauea caldera, creating the possibility that the volcano's magma has shifted.
Research on development of blowholes in cetaceans shows 'a developmental process that’s unlike any other mammal'
By Andy Nghiem | Sep 7, 2021
Researchers have been studying the evolution of blowholes in cetaceans such as dolphins and whales.
UH researchers discover virus strain that's 'responsible for mass mortality of dolphins and whales worldwide'
By Andy Nghiem | Sep 7, 2021
University of Hawaii at Manoa researchers have identified a virus that is deadly to dolphins that are native to Hawaiian waters.
Cutting sugar in packaged foods and beverages 'can generate major improvements in health'
By Trina Thomas | Sep 7, 2021
A new study shows that dropping that daily soda from your diet -- or taking other steps to reduce sugar intake from prepackaged foods and beverages -- could be the determining factor in preventing a stroke, heart attack or cardiac arrest.
Kīlauea volcano remains at 'advisory' alert level and 'yellow' aviation color code, but it is not erupting
By Bree Gonzales | Sep 7, 2021
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) announced Tues., Sept. 7, that the Kīlauea volcano is not currently erupting.
USGS scientist on recent earthquake: 'Please be aware that aftershocks are possible and may be felt'
By Bree Gonzales | Aug 28, 2021
The 4.1-magnitude earthquake located east of Pāhala on Aug. 18 had no observable impact on Mauna Loa and Kīlauea volcanoes, as confirmed by U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) Scientist-in-Charge Ken Hon.
Multiple earthquakes recorded in Kilauea summit caldera, but there is 'no evidence of lava at the surface'
By Bree Gonzales | Aug 27, 2021
While the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has detected an increase in earthquake activity beneath the south part of Kilauea summit caldera, within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, USGS has stated that the volcano is not erupting.
Office of Maunakea Management merging with Maunakea Support Services, 'providing a world-class center dedicated to education'
By John Kelly | Aug 24, 2021
The Office of Maunakea Management (OMKM) combined efforts with Maunakea Support Services in August 2020, creating the Center for Maunakea Stewardship that is responsible for University of Hawaii-managed Maunakea lands.
Trafalgar Group poll: Public shaming does not help boost COVID-19 vaccination rates
By Trina Thomas | Aug 20, 2021
Do the unvaccinated need public shaming to encourage them to get a vaccine? According to a recent poll, most American's don't believe this is the correct approach.
Hawaii-Hilo study highlights correlation between hoofed animals, death of state's ‘ōhi‘a trees
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 20, 2021
University of Hawaii Hilo environmental scientist Ryan Perroy recently published a paper highlighting the connection between hoofed animals and the rapid death of the state's ‘ōhi‘a trees.
National Weather Service hydrologist: Severe Big Island drought also causes brush fires
By David Beasley | Aug 20, 2021
The severe drought on Hawaii's Big Island also is causing severe brush fires, according to Kevin Kodama, senior hydrologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
New Kilauea volcano study provides guidance on how to 'forecast the evolution of a collapse sequence once it begins'
By Trina Thomas | Aug 10, 2021
New research of the 2018 Kilauea volcano revealed a paradigm on friction in earthquake faults, which could potentially help create hazard assessments and mitigation efforts in future volcanic eruptions.
Graphic warning labels on cigarette packaging make a difference in 'motivating young adult smokers to quit'
By Bree Gonzales | Aug 4, 2021
Graphic warning labels (GWLs) on cigarette packaging drove motivation in young adults to quit smoking, a study showed.
'Blue rice coral is often overlooked' but may produce natural sunscreen, ensuring future survival of the species
By Art Benavidez | Jul 30, 2021
A recent report from the University of Hawaii at Manoa has revealed that local scientists believe blue rice corals could survive climate change because they produce a natural protein that can act as a sunscreen, ensuring their survival.
Teardrop star, seen through the Keck Observatory telescopes, will be 'the catalyst for an eventual supernova'
By Art Benavidez | Jul 28, 2021
A recent report from the W.M. Keck Observatory states that astronomers have observed what they believe is a rare teardrop-shaped star.
Astronomers at W.M. Keck Observatory at Mauna Kea help discover massive 'white dwarf'
By David Beasley | Jul 12, 2021
A "white dwarf" -- a small hot white star of low intrinsic brightness -- recently discovered by astronomers in Hawaii is both the smallest and most massive one ever discovered.
Researchers at Rutgers University learn how strong skeletons are formed within stony coral
By Christina Heath | Jun 22, 2021
A Rutgers University study has been able to identify how stony coral develops and builds its strong inner skeletal structures.