Earth’s magnetic field surrounds us every second of the day, everywhere on the planet. Anyone who has picked up a pocket compass and seen the magnetic needle quickly align itself has seen the action of this ever-present invisible field. But can we harness the magnetic field to forecast volcanic activity? Emerging technology in the field of “quantum” science may aid us in doing so.

As people seek healthy new food options, the demand for gourmet mushrooms is increasing. Fresh button mushrooms including cremini and portobello are still very popular but oyster mushrooms and exotics like lion’s mane are increasing in popularity. Luckily Amanda Evans of Mermaid Mushrooms is growing these in a warehouse in Kealakekua and offering them to enthusiasts around Hawaii Island.

As the Hawaii Island cacao industry continues to expand, it is time to celebrate with the 11th Annual Big Island Chocolate Festival from Thursday, April 25 through Saturday, April 27. According to Fern Gavelek, the event culminates with the “Mystical Chocolate Masquerade” gala offering everything from sweet to savory.

Make plans to attend the 11th annual Big Island Chocolate Festival held from April 25 to 27 at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort &Spa.

As the sun gets stronger, many shrubs, trees and especially vines can grow at a rapid pace. This makes vines great for covering unsightly fences like concrete or chain link. Good fences and hedges make good neighbors goes the old saying, and maybe in the old days it was the case. Stone walls are traditional and impressive, but expensive. Today, we have so many choices that an unattractive fence or hedge might create all kinds of neighbor problems depending on type of material used.

The Island of Hawai‘i is one of the most seismically active regions in the world. In the last five years, an average of 600-1200 earthquakes per week have been detected by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. This regular rumble of activity across the island can be used to our advantage to assess the hazards that Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes represent.

According to Conde Nast Traveler, the ten healthiest countries in the world are as follows:

STEM is an acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. In the educational system, encouraging STEM curriculum prepares students for future careers in STEM fields. In this “Volcano Watch” article, we’ll describe how aspects of STEM are applied at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, using a specific example of field engineering work.

Easter 2024 has passed but like the Easter lily you received, it may be resurrected after appearing dead. Easter reminds us that life is a cycle of what appears to be death and rebirth. In cooler climates, it is what we learn by observing plants that go dormant in the winter only to sprout anew in the spring. Bulbs like crocus and daffodils are examples.

Seeing lots of beautiful pua kenikeni lei in Hilo for Merrie Monarch, is encouragement to grow my own. You too might want to consider growing this lovely, delicate and very fragrant flower in your garden.

Yes, I have a weakness for knives. When I see a knife that looks interesting, odds are that I will purchase it. I have been to many knife and sword shops in Japan, just intrigued at the craftsmanship in knife making. My son is the same way, so we have a collection of knives for every possible use: a sashimi, citrus, bread, several chef’s, several paring, a couple of bird beak, utility, boning, santoku and nakiri knives.

What has the Easter Bunny and eggs have to do with Easter? The return of Jesus after the crucifixion has little to do with bunnies and eggs. However, the concept of rebirth and resurrection was based on the pagan holiday of Eostra that celebrated new life and fertility. Early Christians connected the two events and thus we celebrate with joy rather than sorrow.