Hawaii
Poke for the People: 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards
Best Luau in Hawaii (2026)
Luaus are a vibrant expression of Hawaiian culture, weaving together storytelling, music, dance, and cuisine into an unforgettable evening — and a meaningful way to connect with the spirit of aloha.
With so many extraordinary luaus across the islands, which is the most essential stop? USA TODAY 10BEST tapped an expert panel to nominate their top picks for the best luaus in Hawaii — each offering authentic entertainment with traditional performances, tantalizing local cuisine, and set in a scenic location that enhances the magic of the experience. Now, it’s your turn to crown the best of the best.
Which luau would you most like to attend?
Vote for your favorite once per day until polls close on Monday, July 13 at noon ET. The winning luaus, as determined by your vote, will be announced on Wednesday, July 22.
Hawaii
Scheduled Kalaupapa tours end following death of longtime resident
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Scheduled tours at Kalaupapa National Historical Park are no longer operating.
According to the National Park Service, Kalaupapa Saints Tours has ceased operations following the passing of Meli Watanuki.
Watanuki died last month at the age of 91.
She helped establish Kalaupapa Saints Tours last year to tell the stories of Kalaupapa residents, including those of Father Damien and Mother Marianne.
In a social media post, park officials said there are currently no tour options available for visitors.
The National Park Service said it is continuing to explore alternatives for visitors to experience Kalaupapa and learn about its history.
Updates on future park access and tour opportunities will be posted on the park’s website.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
Hawaii
Kilauea erupts for the 49th time with fountains expected to grow fast
KILAUEA, Hawaii (KITV) — The 49th episode of the ongoing Halema’uma’u eruption began on Sunday morning, with fountains reaching 300 feet as of 10:02 a.m.
The eruption began at 9:32 a.m. and officials reported a rapid increase in summit tremor along with ongoing summit deflation. Initially the fountains were about 50–75 feet high.
USGS officials expect the fountains to grow 600-800 feet within the next couple of hours. The plume is up to approximately 12,000 feet above sea level and is moving to the south west, according to officials.
The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency reported at 3:39 p.m., that winds have shifted, carrying the plume created by the Kilauea volcano eruption to the northeast and with it, possible light ashfall toward downwind communities.
Due to the shift in winds, residents downwind are encouraged to disconnect their catchment tank before the next rainfall, to avoid ashfall entering the catchment tank.
Report tephra or ashfall here, and click here for guidance for volcanic tephra fall.
Most lava fountaining episodes since December 23, 2024, have continued for a day or less.
Hawaii
From Crown to Cause: Miss Hawaii Teen USA drives awareness on impaired driving
HONOLULU (Hawaii News Now)- Pageants are about more than beauty for 2026 Miss Hawaii Teen USA Olivia Tom, who is turning her title into a platform for impaired driving awareness.
Tom was crowned in May and joined HNN’s Sunrise Weekends to talk about her partnership with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Hawaii and Drive with Aloha, along with her cause to end impaired driving.
She graduated this year from H.P. Baldwin High School in Wailuku, Maui, and said her experience on the pageant stage has given her a platform to speak out on issues that matter to her community.
“I think it’s so important because it could happen to you… one moment can affect so many,” Tom said.
A standout student, Tom served as valedictorian and will attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa this fall with a focus in business.
She said the issue is personal after a loved one was injured in an impaired driving incident during her senior year of high school.
“It literally made me feel that one moment, one experience, can change so many people’s lives, and it can affect so many,” Tom said.
Tom encourages others to think carefully before getting into a vehicle and to be aware of their surroundings and the people they are with.
“Before you get in the car, think about who you’re getting in the car with,” she said.
Tom will also serve as emcee for the MADD Hawaii Law Enforcement Recognition event on Thursday, June 25.
The event honors law enforcement officers across the state for their efforts to prevent impaired driving and keep Hawaiʻi roads safe.
To follow her journey, visit @missmauiteenusa on Instagram.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
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