Good morning, Honolulu.

Residents have new travel perks as Hawaiian Airlines expands its free Huaka‘i benefits program.

The update offers free checked bags, bonus points at Foodland, discounted experiences, and a points challenge (with Neighbor Island travel earning a 50% bonus starting Jan. 1, 2027) to reward locals who fly frequently.

Dozens attended the 2026 Joint Memorial Service on Sunday at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific to honor Japanese American World War II veterans.

The Hawaii International Film Festival will showcase more kanaka maoli stories and premiere films Navigator and Drifter from Oct.

21 through Nov. 5 on Oahu (additional screenings are scheduled for neighbor islands until Nov. 15).

Hawaii-based international artist Leni Acosta Knight will host an art exhibition and fundraiser on Thursday, Oct.

1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Island Brew Coffeehouse in Manoa (inside the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE center) to benefit the Kapiolani Health Foundation supporting cancer care.

Hawaii public high school students (grades 9–12) can now apply to be youth ambassadors abroad through the 2027 Sister-State Study Tours, which will send them to Okinawa, Jeju, or Ilocos.

Applications must be submitted online by Oct. 15 with required documents and a parent or guardian signature.

Hurricane Nolo spared most of the Big Island but caused outages on Oahu and Maui as heavy rain flooded roads and triggered five high-water rescues on Sunday + University of Hawaii Hilo students rode bicycles through rain-soaked downtown Hilo.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park reopened most areas along the Kīlauea summit and at the Kahuku Unit after Hurricane Nolo.

Some trails remain closed until staff finish safety checks — visitors should follow posted signs for hazards.

Papa‘ikou resident Patrick Ferreira filed an appeal on Sept.

22 against a 60-ft Verizon Wireless cell tower project near homes, arguing a flawed permit and lack of notification. The appeal, supported by the Sierra Club, calls for work to stop until the permit error is resolved.

The University of Hawaii soccer team won 2-0 over Air Force on the weekend in Colorado, with Nalani Damacion scoring twice (now second in team history for game-winning goals) and goalkeeper Kennedy Justin making 9 saves.

The team will play Nevada at home after a week off.