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Hi Big Island, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Surprising spring break destinations, Dear Evan Hansen, International Night 2026, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Unexpected destinations gain buzz: Hilo is among Google Flights’ trending Spring Break 2026 destinations, possibly drawing visitors for Merrie Monarch and renewed Kīlauea activity. Other surprises include Asheville and Vail as travelers chase value — see the full trending list.
Council advances property tax changes: Hawaii County’s Finance Committee voted 7-1 to recommend Bill 128, which would add a tax tier for homes over $4 million. Rate is undecided and could affect rental owners — get all the details.
Legislature commits $30 million: Thousands have applied to Hawaii’s loan repayment program as the state fights a health worker shortage. Lawmakers are considering a three year service commitment. So far, 988 workers received relief — get all the details.
Tourism dollars under scrutiny: Hawaii’s Green Fee Advisory Council outlined spending for the new climate change tax on lodging, with $100 million to recommend annually, while a cruise industry lawsuit challenges the plan — learn how funds would be used.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Vibrant traditions take the stage: UH Hilo’s 51st International Night will take place Friday, February 27 at the Performing Arts Center in Hilo. About 150 students will showcase global cultures with performances by Tupulaga O Samoa, Taishoji Taiko, and more. Tickets are $20 general and $5 for students. See lineup and ticket info.
A moving coming-of-age story: HEART’s Dear Evan Hansen is now playing at the East Hawaii Cultural Center in Hilo through March 1. The Tony-winning musical explores loneliness, truth, mental health, and connection, with Joshua Timmons, Melissa Moore, and Zaira Hahn starring. Directed by 2025 BroadwayWorld award winner Larry Reitzer. See dates, cast, and details.
Upcountry dinner plans: Craving a treat without leaving Waimea? At Merriman’s Waimea, Hawai‘i-grown produce and just-caught seafood meet a cozy upcountry vibe that makes weeknights feel special. Polished enough for a date night, relaxed enough to text friends that you’re doing this.
Island-ready kitchen picks: From silicone lids that save leftovers to colorful potholders and smart pantry upgrades, Waimea General Store keeps your cooking stash stocked with practical, island-made finds you’ll actually use this week, meaning fewer junk drawers and more tasty dinners.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🔨 Introduction to Chasing and Repousse @ Donkey Mill Art Center | Friday (2/27) at 10:00 AM – Whether you’re new to metals or rusty, Lisa Geertsen teaches chasing and repousse to shape copper into small, sculptural forms. Start with a sketch, end with wearable or wall-worthy art, beginner friendly, tiny hammers involved, and therapeutic without a single glue gun.
🎤 Eli-Mac @ Laverne’s Sports Bar | Friday (2/27) at 7:00 PM – Friday night at Laverne’s means Eli-Mac up close, island-laced grooves, and special guests The Linkz, The Grouch, and Pure Powers turning the room into a proper vibe. Skip the couch, grab the crew, and snag tickets on Eventbrite, because nostalgia sounds better with bass.
🎤 Raiatea Helm @ Kahilu | Friday (2/27) at 7:00 PM – Grab a seat at Kahilu and let Raiatea Helm’s velvet falsetto fill paniolo town. Expect Hawaiian classics, goosebumps, and at least one auntie singing harmony from row G. It’s the kind of night that makes you skip streaming, and forget about the drizzle.
🌍 International Night 2026 @ Performing Arts Center | Friday (2/27) at 7:00 PM – Skip the tourist luau and head to UH Hilo’s International Night, the annual showcase of dance, music, and traditions from the many cultures on campus. It’s a world tour without TSA, jet lag, or airport prices, just pride, talent, and plenty of aloha.
🏃 Big Island Road Runners Waikaumalo Fun Run @ Waikaumalo Park | Saturday (2/28) at 7:30 AM – Waikaumalo means two choices, 4 miles or 7, both prettier than your treadmill and twice as honest. Big Island Road Runners keep it friendly with real timing, free entry for members, a $10 donation for non-members, and refreshments, because priorities.
🍽 Prime Rib and Seafood Buffet @ Honu’s on the Beach Restaurant | Saturday (2/28) at 5:00 PM – Nothing says treat yourself like an all-you-can-eat prime rib and seafood buffet on the lanai with sweeping ocean views. Honu’s does it right on Saturdays, with fire pits, breezes, and zero pretense. Bring an appetite, a cardigan, and your elastic-waist humility.
🤹 Jugglefest Gala Show @ Hilo Palace Theater | Saturday (2/28) at 7:00 PM – Jugglefest Gala Show corrals world class jugglers and flow artists, plus homegrown hotshots and a few visiting pros from off island, for a vaudeville-style romp that’s lighthearted, family-friendly, and wildly skillful. Proof that juggling beats your uncle’s backyard tiki tricks.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Big Island report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 81°F – Low: 70°F – Precip: 14%
Sunny, with a high near 81. South southeast wind around 6 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 70. South southwest wind around 3 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 81°F – Low: 70°F – Precip: 1%
Sunny, with a high near 81. West northwest wind 2 to 6 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 70. North northwest wind around 5 mph.
This house is wild
This one-of-a-kind Hawaiian pickleball estate spans 3,500 square feet with 5 bedrooms and 3 baths on 2 lush acres. Two covered, professional-grade courts, 35 by 60 feet with a 21.5 foot peak, feature NOVA Surface Coating and Dominator semi-portable nets. Expansive lanais capture island views, underground utilities clear the sky. Active, transferable STR sleeps 16 across 9 beds, offered furnished.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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