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Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Monday 2026-10-12
Aloha. Monday morning — Indigenous Peoples' Day. Hawaiʻi has historically called it Discoverers' Day, though state offices stay open today. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
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Aloha. Monday morning — Indigenous Peoples' Day. Hawaiʻi has historically called it Discoverers' Day, though state offices stay open today. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
Today starts calm — light winds, mix of sun and clouds, just scattered showers. Tonight into Tuesday morning, a band of moisture pushes in from the east, so expect showers ramping up on the windward side, especially the Big Island and Maui. North and east-facing slopes will catch the most rain. If you're heading windward, plan something indoors. By Wednesday, trade winds pick back up and things settle.
South shore is running small — 3.9 feet at Waikīkī, comfortable for swimmers and beginners. North shore sits at 4 feet today, moderate conditions, so watch for shore break and rip currents. If you're on Kauaʻi, Hanalei is 4.5 feet, also moderate. Big Island is glassy at 1.9 feet. Maui clocks in at 3 feet.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has several closures in place right now due to activity on the Big Island. Halemaʻumaʻu Trail, part of Byron Ledge Trail, and the Keanakākoʻi side of Kīlauea are all closed. Kīpukapuaulu Trail is closed too — hazardous trees and hanging limbs. Check before you head out.
If you're booking a boat tour this week, check your backup date. Our piece on Hawaiʻi boat tour cancellation windows looks at what happens when another booking's deadline expires — and whether you actually have a usable backup day left. The worked example walks you through the timing. It's the kind of detail that saves your itinerary if plans shift.
Winds strengthen noticeably by the weekend, so secure any loose items if you're renting a car. Another batch of moisture may move in late week, bringing another round of showers to windward and mountain areas.
If you're landing on the Big Island or Maui this week, our piece on Hilo rainfall breaks down rainy days versus rainfall totals — a useful read before you plan around the windward side. Full piece is on the site. Talk to you tomorrow.
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Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Sunday 2026-10-11
Aloha. Sunday morning in Hawaiʻi. I'm Mele with what's happening across the islands today.
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Aloha. Sunday morning in Hawaiʻi. I'm Mele with what's happening across the islands today.
Today and tomorrow stay mostly dry with light easterly winds — good conditions for beach days on leeward shores. Expect a few afternoon showers on the leeward side today, nothing serious. Monday night brings a brief wet spell, mainly on the Big Island and windward areas, but that clears by Wednesday.
Oʻahu's south and north shores are both running moderate at around 4 feet — watch the shore break and rip currents if you're heading out. Maui's sitting at 3 feet, Hawaiʻi Island at 2 feet, both comfortable for swimmers. Kauaʻi's north shore is at 4.5 feet, so a bit more energy there.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has several closures in place: Halemaʻumaʻu Trail and Byron Ledge Trail are closed for safety, the Keanakākoʻi side of Kīlauea is closed due to volcanic unrest, and Kīpukapuaulu Trail is down because of hazardous trees. If you're heading there, check before you go.
If you're planning an Oʻahu hike this week, our piece on short trails versus terrain trade-offs is worth reading — mileage alone won't tell you what you're signing up for. Diamond Head and Koko Crater look similar on a map but feel very different on your knees. The breakdown walks you through the actual footwork and elevation so you can choose based on effort, not just distance.
Leeward hikes and summit trips are looking good through midweek before winds strengthen by the end of the week. Check hawaii-guide dot com slash this-week for what we're tracking.
Full comparison is on the site. Talk to you tomorrow.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Saturday 2026-10-10
Aloha. Saturday morning in Hawaiʻi. Drier weather is moving in after a wet stretch earlier in the week, and I'm Mele with what's happening today across the islands.
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Aloha. Saturday morning in Hawaiʻi. Drier weather is moving in after a wet stretch earlier in the week, and I'm Mele with what's happening today across the islands.
Moisture cleared out, so today and tomorrow feel much more typical for October. You'll catch scattered showers on windward slopes and at night, especially on the Big Island Sunday into Monday, but overall it's drier. Leeward areas, especially Kona, may feel breezy and dry on Monday—that's fire-risk weather, so keep an eye on fire conditions if you're heading there.
Surf today: Oʻahu south shore is 3.9 feet, small and comfortable for swimmers. North shore is 5.6 feet with moderate conditions—watch the shore break if you're heading to less protected beaches. Maui's Kāʻanapali is 3.3 feet, the Big Island is 2.7 feet, and Kauaʻi is 5.7 feet, also moderate. South and west-facing coasts are your best bets for water activities this weekend from long-period swells running through Sunday and Monday.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has several active closures: Halemaʻumaʻu Trail, Byron Ledge, and the Keanakākoʻi side of Kīlauea are all closed due to volcanic unrest. Kīpukapuaulu Trail is closed for hazardous trees. If you're planning a Big Island volcano visit, check ahead—most trails are open, but you'll need to route around the restricted areas.
Our newest piece covers something a lot of visitors get wrong about Hilo: it doesn't rain as much as people think, but it rains on more days than you'd expect. That matters for trip planning—whether you're building in indoor backup activities or counting on outdoor mornings. We broke down the rainfall chart and the actual count of rainy days so you can decide whether a Hilo or windward side visit fits what you're after. If you're heading to the Big Island this weekend, that's worth a quick read.
Sunday and Monday stay mostly dry with normal trade winds. By the middle of next week, it'll be consistently dry across all the islands.
If beach time is your priority this weekend, our north-shore guide breaks down which spots handle moderate surf better than others. Talk to you tomorrow.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Friday 2026-10-09
Aloha. Friday morning. Heavy showers are still soaking the eastern islands, but they're tapering off through today. By afternoon, conditions improve noticeably — which means the back half of your day is looking pretty good.
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Aloha. Friday morning. Heavy showers are still soaking the eastern islands, but they're tapering off through today. By afternoon, conditions improve noticeably — which means the back half of your day is looking pretty good.
The low-pressure system that drove the rain is moving away, and trade winds are returning from the east this weekend. Leeward and west-facing coasts clear out and stay mostly dry. Windward slopes and higher elevations will still catch some overnight showers, but daytime periods should be mostly clear. Winds are fresh today and tonight, then ease back by Sunday.
On the water: Oʻahu's north shore is at 6.2 feet — experienced swimmers and surfers only. Kauaʻi's Hanalei is even bigger at 6.6 feet. South shores are moderate — Waikīkī at 4.8 feet, Kāʻanapali at 4.1 feet. The Big Island's running small at 2.7 feet. Watch for shore break and rip currents wherever you go in.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has several closures this week: Halemaʻumaʻu Trail and part of Byron Ledge are closed for safety, the Keanakākoʻi side is closed due to volcanic unrest, and Kīpukapuaulu Trail is closed because of hazardous trees. Volcanic ash is also a concern in the park. Check conditions before heading to the Big Island.
If you're planning an Oʻahu hike this afternoon when things dry out, our piece on short hikes breaks down why mileage alone doesn't tell you what a walk will feel like. Diamond Head and Koko Crater look similar on a map but they're completely different experiences — one's stairs, one's a steep cinder cone. Knowing that before you start saves your knees and helps you pick the right hike for today's clearing conditions.
Head over to hawaii-guide dot com slash this-week for what we're tracking going forward.
If you're out this afternoon, the leeward side is your best bet. Catch you tomorrow.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Thursday 2026-10-08
Aloha. It's Thursday morning, and Kauaʻi and Oʻahu are in the middle of heavy rain right now. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
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Aloha. It's Thursday morning, and Kauaʻi and Oʻahu are in the middle of heavy rain right now. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
A band of rain is moving across the islands this morning with rates hitting 1 to 2 inches per hour in the worst spots. A Flood Watch is in effect through 6 PM today for Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, and Oʻahu. The heaviest should clear Oʻahu by early afternoon, but avoid hiking near streams and winding coastal roads—flash flooding is real right now. This is not the day for beach or summit activities.
Oʻahu's north shore is running moderate at 5.4 feet with shore break and rip currents to watch. Kauaʻi's Hanalei is moderate at 5.1 feet. Waikiki is 4.3 feet. Maui and the Big Island have small surf today, comfortable for swimmers. Given the flooding watch on Kauaʻi and Oʻahu, the water's going to feel secondary today.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has several closures in effect. Halemaʻumaʻu Trail and part of Byron Ledge are closed for safety. The Keanakākoʻi side of Kīlauea is closed due to volcanic unrest. Mauna Loa Road is blocked past the second cattle guard for tree removal. Check the park website before heading to the Big Island.
If you're planning a Kauaʻi trip, our recent piece on Kauaʻi's recovery after the storm walks through which visitor businesses have reopened and what to check before booking. Most operations are back up, but local operators are reporting slow demand, so it's worth confirming access before you commit. That post gives you a real picture of where things stand right now.
Tomorrow stays wet but less intense, with scattered showers and occasional heavy downpours, especially on leeward slopes. By Saturday, trade winds return and conditions dry out significantly.
If you're driving today, those winding roads flood fast. Talk to you tomorrow.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Wednesday 2026-10-07
Aloha. Wednesday morning. A tropical system is moving in tonight, bringing heavy rain to Kauaʻi and Oʻahu through Thursday. Mele here with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
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Aloha. Wednesday morning. A tropical system is moving in tonight, bringing heavy rain to Kauaʻi and Oʻahu through Thursday. Mele here with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
Tonight through Thursday evening, expect widespread showers becoming heavy, especially over Kauaʻi and Oʻahu. The worst rain hits Thursday morning through evening. A Flood Watch is in effect for both islands — isolated thunderstorms are possible, and heavy showers training over the same areas could worsen flooding. Maui and the Big Island see less impact. Friday brings improvement as the system moves out.
On the water: Oʻahu's north shore at Waimea is running 4.7 feet with moderate surf and strong shore break — watch the currents. Kauaʻi's Hanalei is at 5 feet, also moderate with rip currents. South shores are smaller and calmer. The Big Island is glassy at 1.7 feet.
At Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, volcanic unrest has closed the Keanakākoʻi side of Kīlauea. Mauna Loa Road is closed past the second cattle guard for tree removal, and Kīpukapuaulu Trail is closed due to hazardous trees. Check the park website before heading up — closures affect multiple areas right now.
Our piece on Kauaʻi's recovery after Lowell breaks down which visitor businesses have reopened and what's still ramping up. Most restaurants and activities are back online, but demand has been slow — some spots are worth a phone call before you book. If you're planning a Kauaʻi trip soon, that post walks you through what to expect on the ground.
Through the weekend, conditions gradually settle. Friday showers tail off, and the weekend brings lighter winds with afternoon showers mainly over island interiors. The heavy rain ends Thursday evening.
Pack layers if you're on Kauaʻi or Oʻahu through Thursday. Catch you tomorrow.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Tuesday 2026-10-06
Aloha. Tuesday morning. Today is pleasant — light winds, just scattered showers in the high spots. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
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Aloha. Tuesday morning. Today is pleasant — light winds, just scattered showers in the high spots. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
Enjoy the calm while it lasts. Today's got moderate trade winds and only brief showers windward and up in the mountains. Tonight the pattern shifts. Winds weaken and turn southerly, and Wednesday through Friday you're looking at real rain — the south-facing slopes of each island will take the heaviest hit. There's no flood watch yet, but if you're in a spot prone to flash flooding, stay alert. Beyond Friday, conditions may improve as trade winds return, though some forecasts keep rain around a bit longer.
Surf-wise, today and early Wednesday are your window. Oʻahu's south shore is running 3.7 feet, north shore 4.3 feet — comfortable for swimmers, though watch for shore break on the north side. Kauaʻi's at 4.5 feet, Maui's at 3, and the Big Island is glassy at 1.6 feet. Watch for moderate to near-advisory-level surf on the north and south-facing shores through midweek.
At Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the Keanakākoʻi side of Kīlauea remains closed due to volcanic activity. Mauna Loa Road is blocked past the second cattle guard for tree removal, Hilina Pali Road has shoulder work through mid-November, and Kīpukapuaulu Trail is closed for hazardous trees. Park operations otherwise continue. Check the access before you go.
If you're planning an Oʻahu hike this week, our new piece on short walks breaks down why mileage alone doesn't tell you what you're getting into — Diamond Head and Koko Crater sound similar on the map but feel completely different on your knees. The piece uses real terrain comparisons and photos so you can choose by effort, not just distance. It's on the site.
For what we're tracking later this week, head over to hawaii-guide dot com slash this-week.
Beach time is best today and tomorrow morning. After that, plan indoor activities or wait for the weekend. Catch you tomorrow.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Monday 2026-10-05
Aloha. Monday morning. It's dry and breezy right now, but a major system is moving in mid-week — heavy rain and muggy air from Wednesday through Friday. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
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Aloha. Monday morning. It's dry and breezy right now, but a major system is moving in mid-week — heavy rain and muggy air from Wednesday through Friday. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
Today and tomorrow stay dry with steady trade winds. Showers are stuck on windward slopes and higher elevations. By Wednesday, south winds take over and the pattern flips — warm, muggy air pushes in from the south, humidity climbs into the low 70s, and heavy rain becomes likely across all islands. The wettest stretch runs late Wednesday through Friday. Get outdoor plans done early this week.
Surf is small to moderate. Oʻahu's south shore is 3.8 feet — comfortable for swimmers and beginner snorkelers. The north shore hits 4.2 feet with stronger currents. Kauaʻi is the biggest at 5.2 feet. The Big Island's sitting at 1.4 feet and Maui at 2.8 feet — both solid for a calm water day if you want gentle conditions.
At Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, volcanic unrest has closed the Keanakākoʻi side of Kīlauea. The Mauna Loa Road is closed past the second cattle guard for tree removal, and the Kīpukapuaulu Trail is off-limits due to hazardous trees. If you're heading that way, check the park website for current access.
We just posted a piece on Oʻahu short hikes — how to pick a trail by actual effort, not just distance. Diamond Head and Koko Crater look similar on a map, but one is a straightforward walk and the other is a genuine stair climb. If you're planning to hike early this week before the rains arrive, that piece walks you through the tradeoffs so you pick the right one for how you want to spend your time.
For the rest of the week — a small south swell lifts surf slightly above today through Wednesday. North and west shores see moderate surf mid-week. By Friday, west-facing shores on the Big Island could pick up moderate swell from distant typhoon activity.
Get your hikes in today or tomorrow while it's dry. Wednesday onward, stay clear of open canyons and stream crossings. Talk to you tomorrow.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Sunday 2026-10-04
Aloha. Sunday morning in Hawaiʻi. I'm Mele with what's happening across the islands today.
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Aloha. Sunday morning in Hawaiʻi. I'm Mele with what's happening across the islands today.
Today and tomorrow are your best beach days this week. Moderate trade winds at 10 to 20 miles per hour, mostly clear skies on the leeward side, and just scattered showers windward. Tuesday stays pleasant—same pattern. But late Tuesday night, winds shift southeast and weaken. By Wednesday, tropical moisture moves in and heavy rain takes over through Friday. If you're planning outdoor activities, Sunday through Tuesday is your window.
Surf is manageable for swimmers today. Oʻahu's south shore is running 3.8 feet, the north shore at 4.1 feet—watch for shore break on the north side. Kauaʻi's choppier at 5.1 feet. Maui and the Big Island are calmer—1.7 to 3 feet, so good for snorkeling if you're headed that way.
At Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the Keanakākoʻi side of Kīlauea is closed due to volcanic unrest. Mauna Loa Road is closed past the second cattle guard for tree removal. Kīpukapuaulu Trail is also down due to hazardous trees. Check ahead before heading to the Big Island if the park is on your list.
If you're thinking about hiking Oʻahu this week, our newest piece breaks down the real difference between short hikes and easy hikes. Koko Crater and Diamond Head look similar on a map, but the terrain tells a completely different story—one is a stair climb, the other is a steadier grade. We walk through actual route comparisons so you can pick by effort instead of just distance.
Wednesday through Friday bring heavy rain across all islands, so plan indoor activities or push outdoor plans to earlier this week if you can. Wednesday onward, west-facing shores of the Big Island may see moderate surf.
Our Oʻahu hiking guide is on the site if you want more route breakdowns. Catch you in the morning.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Saturday 2026-10-03
Aloha. Saturday morning in Hawaiʻi. Beautiful weather through the weekend—sunny skies, low humidity, mostly dry conditions across the islands.
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Aloha. Saturday morning in Hawaiʻi. Beautiful weather through the weekend—sunny skies, low humidity, mostly dry conditions across the islands.
Windward slopes might catch an isolated shower, but leeward and south-facing coasts stay clear. Winds are moderate overall, though the Maui channels and Big Island leeward waters are getting stronger gusts—Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Sunday evening. If you're heading out on the water, watch for locally strong winds in the typical windy zones. Otherwise, it's a solid beach day.
For swimmers and snorkelers, conditions are comfortable. Oʻahu's south shore is running 3.9 feet, Maui's around 3.2 feet, and the Big Island's smaller still at 2 feet—all manageable. The north shore is choppier at 4.5 feet, and Kauaʻi is hitting 4.6 feet, so watch for shore break and rip currents there.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has the Keanakākoʻi side of Kīlauea closed due to volcanic unrest. Kīpukapuaulu Trail is closed for hazardous trees and hanging limbs. Mauna Loa Road is closed past the second cattle guard for tree removal. Several sections are off limits, so know what's open before you go.
If you're planning an Oʻahu hike today, our piece on short hikes breaks down the difference between distance and actual effort. Koko Crater and Diamond Head look similar on mileage, but one is a stair climb and one is not—terrain matters more than the numbers. The post uses real comparisons to help you choose what actually fits your day.
Monday brings lighter winds in the morning, but afternoon clouds and scattered showers over leeward areas. A new south swell arrives Sunday and builds Monday through Wednesday. North shore swells improve mid-week, so if you're a surfer, Wednesday and beyond look better than today.
Our Oʻahu Hike guide has more on what to expect this weekend. Catch you tomorrow morning.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Friday 2026-10-02
Aloha. Friday morning. Tropical Storm Nolo is moving away, and we're drying out fast. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
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Aloha. Friday morning. Tropical Storm Nolo is moving away, and we're drying out fast. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
You'll still catch some showers today, especially on Kauaʻi and Oʻahu, but the pattern breaks tonight. By tomorrow through Monday afternoon, mostly sunny skies, lower humidity, dry weather—ideal for outdoor activities. If you're heading out today, pack light rain gear for Kauaʻi; the rest of the islands clear by evening.
Surf this morning: Kauaʻi is running 5.1 feet and moderate—watch for rip currents. Oʻahu north shore is 4.6 feet, south shore 4.3 feet, both moderate. Maui and the Big Island are smaller, 3.2 and 2.2 feet, comfortable for swimmers. Small south and northwest swells arrive this weekend, giving modest surf along south and north-facing shores.
At Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the Keanakākoʻi Side of Kīlauea is closed due to volcanic unrest. Mauna Loa Road is closed past the second cattle guard for tree removal. Kīpukapuaulu Trail is closed for hazardous trees. Shoulder work is happening on Hilina Pali Road through mid-November. Check access before you go.
Our latest piece breaks down Oʻahu short hikes by terrain and effort, not just mileage—Koko Crater versus Diamond Head, what you're actually signing up for. The comparison uses real photographs and a hike finder tool to help you pick by your legs and knees, not the guidebook distance. If you're planning a walk this weekend while the weather is clear, it's solid reading before you choose.
From Monday night through Thursday morning, showers return to all islands, mainly on windward mountainous slopes. Expect normal wet trade-wind weather—moderate rain amounts, nothing extreme. By late week, conditions dry out again.
Saturday through Monday is your window for beach days and summit trips. Grab our Oʻahu Essential guide if that's where you're headed. Talk to you tomorrow.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Thursday 2026-10-01
Aloha. Thursday morning. Tropical Storm Nolo is moving away, but it's leaving heavy rain behind on Kauaʻi and Oʻahu through tomorrow.
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Aloha. Thursday morning. Tropical Storm Nolo is moving away, but it's leaving heavy rain behind on Kauaʻi and Oʻahu through tomorrow.
Expect moderate to heavy showers on Kauaʻi and Oʻahu — rain falling at 1–2 inches per hour at times. Other islands see occasional showers and clouds. No flash flood warnings yet, but if rain bands stall, localized nuisance flooding is possible. Saturday, drier air moves in and things improve significantly.
Surf is moderate on Oʻahu's south shore at 4.5 feet and north shore at 4.1 feet — watch for shore break and rip currents on less protected beaches. Kauaʻi is 4.9 feet. Maui and the Big Island are smaller at 3.2 and 2.2 feet — comfortable for swimmers. Today's a watch-from-shore day on Oʻahu, but Maui and the Big Island are better for water time.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is operating, but several trails and roads have closures — Mauna Loa Road is closed for tree removal, Kīpukapuaulu Trail is closed due to hazardous trees, and Sulphur Banks Bridge is down. The boardwalk is open. Volcanic ash is present in some areas, so protect yourself if you're hiking.
Our latest piece on Kauaʻi covers which visitor businesses have reopened and which are still waiting to come back. Most are open, but local operators are reporting slow demand. If you're heading to the island, check ahead before booking. Today's heavy rain will make some roads slower, so plan extra travel time.
Friday stays wet, but starting Saturday, drier air and lighter winds move in. The weekend looks much better for beach and water time, and that improvement holds through most of next week.
If you're on Kauaʻi, grab our Kauaʻi Essential guide — it's a solid reference for road conditions and what's open. Catch you tomorrow.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Wednesday 2026-09-30
Aloha. Wednesday morning. Tropical Storm Nolo is moving away, but rain bands are soaking Oʻahu and Kauaʻi through Friday. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
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Aloha. Wednesday morning. Tropical Storm Nolo is moving away, but rain bands are soaking Oʻahu and Kauaʻi through Friday. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
Expect repeated showers on Kauaʻi — 3 to 6 inches total, some spots up to 10. Oʻahu will see heavy rain too, with street flooding possible in low-lying areas. Southeast winds stay breezy through Thursday. Maui and the leeward Big Island get much clearer skies. If you're on Oʻahu or Kauaʻi today, plan indoor activities and watch your footing in flooded areas.
Surf is moderate on both Oʻahu shores at around 5 feet — watch for rip currents and shore break. Kauaʻi is running large at 6 feet with a powerful shore break, experienced swimmers and surfers only. Maui is comfortable at 3.2 feet, and the Big Island is calm at 1.6 feet.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has several trails and roads closed for maintenance — Mauna Loa Road, Hilina Pali Road, and Kīpukapuaulu Trail are not available right now. The park is open otherwise. Watch for volcanic ash in the area.
Kauaʻi is opening back up after the storm, but recovery is uneven. Our piece on Kauaʻi's reopening covers which visitor businesses are running again and where demand is still slow. Some operators report guests canceling even as access improves. It's worth checking the current status before you book — the islands are resilient, but getting all the pieces back online takes time.
The rain clears by early next week as Tropical Storm Nolo drifts farther away and trade winds rebuild. A fresh south swell is on the horizon for Monday and Tuesday.
Our Kauaʻi piece is on the site if you're planning a trip there. Catch you tomorrow.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Tuesday 2026-09-29
Aloha. Tuesday morning. Hurricane Nolo is passing 300 miles west and weakening, but Kauaʻi and Oʻahu are in for heavy rain and dangerously high surf through Wednesday. Mele here with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
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Aloha. Tuesday morning. Hurricane Nolo is passing 300 miles west and weakening, but Kauaʻi and Oʻahu are in for heavy rain and dangerously high surf through Wednesday. Mele here with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
Heavy showers are moving across Kauaʻi and Oʻahu today through Wednesday, especially on the south and southeast slopes where flooding is possible. Strong, gusty southeast winds are hitting Kauaʻi. If you're driving in this, visibility drops fast — take it slow. The Big Island and Maui stay mostly clear. Friday the system moves away and conditions improve.
Kauaʻi's south shore is running 6.4 feet with a dangerous shore break — experienced swimmers and surfers only. A High Surf Advisory is in effect through 6 PM today on the south sides of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau. Stay out of the ocean there. Oʻahu's seeing 4.8 to 5.2 feet — moderate surf with shore break and rip currents. Maui and the Big Island are much calmer.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open, but Mauna Loa Road is closed past the second cattle guard for tree removal, and Kīpukapuaulu Trail is closed due to hazardous trees. The Sulphur Banks Bridge is closed, though the boardwalk is still open. Volcanic ash is around — protect yourself accordingly if you have respiratory concerns.
Kauaʻi's tourism is opening back up after Lowell, but it's spotty. Our new piece breaks down which visitor businesses have reopened and where you might still hit closures — some operators are ready, others are still finding their footing. The recovery is real, but before you book, checking access first is smart. It'll save you a disappointment once you arrive.
Wednesday stays wet and windy on Kauaʻi. Thursday the rain tapers off, and by Friday trade winds return and conditions settle across the islands.
Our Kauaʻi Essential guide has what works when the weather stays rough. Talk to you tomorrow.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Monday 2026-09-28
Aloha. Monday morning. Hurricane Nolo is moving away — winds have dropped, the advisory is cancelled, and today stays mostly dry. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
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Aloha. Monday morning. Hurricane Nolo is moving away — winds have dropped, the advisory is cancelled, and today stays mostly dry. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
Today and tomorrow are your window before the rain arrives. Expect light trade wind showers on windward slopes, but nothing major. Starting Tuesday night through Thursday, tropical moisture from Nolo's outer bands will bring a noticeable increase in rain — especially on the Big Island, Maui, and Kauaʻi, with 1 to 2 inches possible. Wednesday and Thursday will be wetter and cloudier, so save indoor activities or flexible timing for those days.
Ocean conditions are still rough from the hurricane's swells. South-facing shores have high surf today that may linger through Wednesday — Oʻahu south shore is 7.1 feet, north shore 6.8 feet, Kauaʻi's Hanalei is 8.9 feet. That's experienced swimmers and surfers only. A Small Craft Advisory stays in effect through 6 PM today for channels and exposed waters.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has several closures in place — Mauna Loa Road is closed for tree removal, Hilina Pali Road has shoulder work through mid-November, Kīpukapuaulu Trail is closed for hazardous trees, and the Sulphur Banks Bridge is closed, though the boardwalk is open. If you're headed to higher elevations, protect yourself from volcanic ash in the air.
If you're planning a snorkel trip this winter, our guide breaks down sheltered south-shore spots across the islands — which beaches work best when conditions turn rough like they are this week, and what to look for from November through April. It's worth reading before Wednesday hits and the rain arrives.
Wednesday and Thursday bring the rain, but Friday conditions start easing as Nolo continues moving away. By the weekend, swells will begin dropping and winds will ease.
Today's your beach day. Full snorkeling guide is on the site. Catch you tomorrow.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Sunday 2026-09-27
Aloha. Sunday afternoon—Hurricane Nolo is 250 miles away and moving out, but it's still driving dangerous winds across the islands. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
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Aloha. Sunday afternoon—Hurricane Nolo is 250 miles away and moving out, but it's still driving dangerous winds across the islands. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
Winds are gusting over 60 miles per hour on west Maui and Kohala right now—a High Wind Warning is in effect through 6 PM. Avoid windward summits and ridges today; the gusts are extreme. Leeward areas are at critical fire weather risk. Winds drop sharply this afternoon and keep easing through the week. Monday through Wednesday, light east-southeast winds and mostly dry weather take over.
The water is rough today. Kauaʻi's north shore is hitting dangerous 10.7-foot surf with rip currents—stay out unless you know that break intimately. Oʻahu's south and north shores are large at 9.1 and 7.4 feet. Big Island's leeward side is more approachable at 3 feet. If you're not an experienced surfer, today is a watch-from-shore day. The High Surf Warning fades early in the week as the swell pulls back.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has road closures in effect: Crater Rim Drive West is closed from Kīlauea Military Camp to Uēkahuna, Mauna Loa Road is closed past the second cattle guard for tree removal, and Kīpukapuaulu Trail is closed due to hazardous trees. Plan your park visit around the road work.
If you're heading to the Big Island and curious about volcanic activity, our recent post on Kīlauea walks through what scientists have been watching—north-vent overflows with 15- to 30-foot fountains, though a sustained high-fountaining episode hasn't been officially confirmed. It's the kind of detail worth reviewing if you're timing a volcano visit.
For the rest of the week: Kauaʻi may see a little rain late Tuesday into Wednesday, but the rest of the state stays dry. By Friday, expect light winds and calm conditions statewide. Monday through Wednesday will be much safer for snorkeling, hiking, and beach time once today's winds and swell drop.
Wait until tomorrow to plan your outdoor days. Talk to you in the morning.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Saturday 2026-09-26
Aloha. Saturday morning — Hurricane Nolo is bearing down on the islands right now. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
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Aloha. Saturday morning — Hurricane Nolo is bearing down on the islands right now. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
The Big Island and Maui are in the direct path and will take the worst of it. Heavy rain is already falling on windward slopes, and flash flooding is possible — do not drive through flooded roads or cross streams. Winds are gusting over 50 miles per hour on both islands right now and will peak this afternoon at 45 to 50. Expect damaging winds statewide; secure anything loose outside.
The ocean is dangerous everywhere today. East and southeast-facing shores are seeing large surf — Kauaʻi's Hanalei is running 8.6 feet, Oʻahu's north shore 6.6 feet, south shore 7.6 feet. Stay completely out of the water.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has several roads and trails closed — Crater Rim Drive West, Mauna Loa Road past the second cattle guard, and Kīpukapuaulu Trail are all off limits due to maintenance and hazardous conditions.
If you're on the Big Island or Maui today, your plans have shifted. Hunker down, stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, and keep an eye on local warnings. Power outages are likely from the wind damage, so charge your devices now. If you're on Oʻahu or Kauaʻi, you'll still feel this — gusts and heavy rain — but you're out of the worst of it.
Conditions will improve Sunday as Nolo moves west. Stay off the islands' roads and out of the water through the weekend.
Stay safe out there. Catch you tomorrow.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Friday 2026-09-25
Aloha. Friday morning, and Hurricane Nolo is moving toward the Big Island. Strong winds and heavy rain through the weekend. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
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Aloha. Friday morning, and Hurricane Nolo is moving toward the Big Island. Strong winds and heavy rain through the weekend. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
Expect dangerous conditions across all islands today and Saturday. Windward and southeast Big Island plus Maui will see the heaviest rain—flash flooding is the main threat, so avoid driving in affected areas. Winds will gust 30 to 40 miles per hour, worst on Big Island and Maui. If you're on Oʻahu or Kauaʻi, a Wind Advisory may already be in place.
Ocean is rough and getting worse. East and southeast shores have high surf already; south-facing shores will see dangerous waves this weekend as the hurricane's swell builds. Wind waves could exceed 20 feet around Maui County and the Big Island. Mariners should stay off the water entirely. Oʻahu's north and south shores are running moderate but choppy—watch for rip currents and shore break.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has several road closures in place: Crater Rim Drive West, Mauna Loa Road past the second cattle guard, and Kīpukapuaulu Trail are all closed. Sulphur Banks Bridge is down, but the boardwalk is open. Closures run through mid-November.
If you're planning ahead for winter, our piece on winter snorkeling breaks down the best sheltered shores island by island—south-facing bays where conditions stay calmer from November through April. It's a solid reference when you're deciding where to spend time in the water during the winter swell season.
The hurricane curves west by mid-week, bringing lighter winds and gradual improvement across the islands. Conditions should ease through the rest of next week.
Stay safe if you're on the islands this weekend. Talk to you tomorrow.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Thursday 2026-09-24
Aloha. Thursday afternoon — Tropical Storm Nolo is strengthening into a hurricane, and it's heading toward the Big Island. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
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Aloha. Thursday afternoon — Tropical Storm Nolo is strengthening into a hurricane, and it's heading toward the Big Island. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
Heavy rain is already soaking the windward Big Island — some areas got 1.5 to 2 inches overnight. Friday and Saturday, expect damaging winds across the Big Island and intensifying rainfall, particularly on the windward and southeast sides where flash flooding is a serious risk. All islands will see increasingly strong gusty winds through the weekend. Normal trade winds should return early next week.
Surf is moderate on Oʻahu's north and south shores — 4.3 to 4.5 feet. Kauaʻi is seeing 5.1 feet. That's watch-from-shore territory with strong rip currents. Maui and the Big Island are calmer right now, but south-facing shores will see higher surf as the weekend progresses.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is closed ahead of Tropical Storm Nolo — the entire park, Crater Rim Drive, and Mauna Loa Road. Contact the park or check the site before heading out to see when it reopens.
Our guide on winter snorkeling covers where to find the calmest water across all the islands once this system clears. It walks through the sheltered bays island by island — Oʻahu, Maui, the Big Island, Kauaʻi — so you'll know exactly which beaches to hit when conditions settle down. If you're island-hopping or staying put, it's a solid reference for what's safe through the season.
Wednesday the system is expected to turn westward, but the exact track is still uncertain — impacts could linger through the weekend.
If you're on the Big Island, stock up before you go and give yourself extra time. Talk to you tomorrow.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Wednesday 2026-09-23
Aloha. Wednesday morning. A tropical depression south of the islands is strengthening into a hurricane, and it's heading this way. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
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Aloha. Wednesday morning. A tropical depression south of the islands is strengthening into a hurricane, and it's heading this way. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
Rain is already picking up across the Big Island and windward Maui, and it'll get heavier through the weekend. The system moves near or over the Big Island late Friday through Saturday, bringing damaging winds and extreme rainfall — possibly over 20 inches on windward and southeastern slopes. A Flood Watch is in effect through Saturday afternoon for the Big Island, Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi. If you're in either location, today's the day to stock up, fuel up, and secure anything outside.
Surf is moderate on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi — 4.7 feet on the south shore, 5.2 on the north shore — so watch for shore break and rip currents if you're in the water. Maui and the Big Island are smaller and calmer right now, but that changes fast as the system approaches.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is at an elevated alert level. Crater Rim Drive West, Mauna Loa Road, and Kīpukapuaulu Trail are closed for hazardous tree work. The Sulphur Banks boardwalk stays open. If the hurricane track shifts toward the Big Island with full force, park access may change — conditions are fluid right now.
We've been tracking Kīlauea precursory activity over the past couple weeks, and our piece on that goes into what lava flows look like in their early stages — helpful if you're following the volcano. Right now, though, the immediate story is the hurricane. This is a major weather system, and the Big Island and Maui are in the direct path. If you're visiting this week, your plans will shift. Pack flexibility, keep an eye on official updates, and stay off roads Friday and Saturday if you're in the warning zone.
Saturday and Sunday the system moves westward, and normal trade-wind weather should return early next week. Track uncertainty is high right now — other islands could see impacts depending on exactly where this tracks.
Take this seriously if you're on the Big Island or Maui. Stay safe out there.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Tuesday 2026-09-22
Aloha. Tuesday morning. A tropical system is forming southeast of the Big Island, and it's the main story through Friday. Mele here with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
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Aloha. Tuesday morning. A tropical system is forming southeast of the Big Island, and it's the main story through Friday. Mele here with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
Today looks mostly normal — scattered showers on windward and mountain areas, typical trade winds. But starting tomorrow, moisture from that system pushes toward the Big Island, bringing heavy rain Wednesday through Friday, especially Thursday into Friday. Winds will pick up significantly by Friday, with gusts of 50 to 60 miles per hour possible over the eastern half of the state. A Small Craft Advisory is already in effect for waters around Maui and the Big Island through Wednesday evening.
Surf-wise, Oʻahu's south shore is running 3.7 feet — comfortable for swimmers and snorkelers. The north shore at Waimea is 4.1 feet with some shore break to watch. Kauaʻi's north shore is moderate at 5.1 feet, so less protected beaches will be rougher. Big Island and Maui are small and calm this morning.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is at WATCH alert level. Kīlauea is actively erupting — stay clear of closed areas and protect yourself from volcanic ash. Mauna Loa Road is closed past the second cattle guard for tree removal, and several trails including Kīpukapuaulu are closed due to hazardous trees. Sulphur Banks Bridge is also closed, though the boardwalk is open.
If you're heading to the Big Island this week, Kīlauea is worth paying attention to. Our recent piece covers minor spatter activity and continuous tremor showing the volcano is approaching its prior pressure peak — basically what the data tells you about what might happen next. Paired with the rain forecast coming Thursday and Friday, reading that piece before you head to the park helps you plan around both the volcano and the weather.
Wednesday winds pick up, Thursday the rain intensifies, and conditions stay unsettled through the weekend.
If you're at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes this week, grab the Big Island Essential guide so you know which trails are actually open. Catch you tomorrow.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Monday 2026-09-21
Aloha. Monday morning. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today — a tropical system is organizing southeast of the islands and expected to reach us by midweek.
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Aloha. Monday morning. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today — a tropical system is organizing southeast of the islands and expected to reach us by midweek.
Today, conditions are mostly sunny to partly cloudy with light trade winds. A Small Craft Advisory remains in effect for Maui County and Big Island waters through tomorrow evening, so if you're on the water, be cautious. Winds will ease slightly through midweek before picking back up as the system approaches.
Surf-wise, Oʻahu's south shore is at 5.1 feet and Kauaʻi's north shore is at 5.6 feet — both moderate, so watch for rip currents and shore break. Maui's more manageable at 3.5 feet, comfortable for swimmers. The Big Island is glassy at 1.6 feet — calm water if you're heading there today.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is operating with some closures. Kīpukapuaulu Trail is closed due to hazardous trees, and the Sulphur Banks Bridge is down — though the boardwalk is still accessible. The volcano itself is at Watch level, meaning Kīlauea remains under close observation. Volcanic ash is a concern near the summit area.
The big weather story this week is the tropical system moving in from the southeast. Heavy rain is possible on the Big Island, especially around Hilo and Puna, Thursday through Saturday. There's significant uncertainty about how long the rain lasts — forecasts range from a quick 24-hour soaking to a multi-day event. A Flood Watch for the Big Island and possibly Maui will likely be issued in the coming days. If you're traveling to the Big Island, start tracking updates and have backup plans for outdoor activities.
Wednesday through the weekend will bring stronger winds and increasing swell, especially on north and west shores. That tropical system is the main driver of the week ahead.
Our Kīlauea inflation update is on the site if you're heading to the Big Island. Talk to you tomorrow.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Sunday 2026-09-20
Aloha. Sunday morning in Hawaiʻi. I'm Mele with what's happening across the islands today.
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Aloha. Sunday morning in Hawaiʻi. I'm Mele with what's happening across the islands today.
Today and tomorrow, expect breezy trade winds and scattered showers, especially on windward slopes and mountain areas. It'll stay humid and muggy. Leeward areas stay drier — if you want to skip the scattered showers, head to the west side of any island.
South shores are running moderate: Oʻahu's Waikiki at 4.9 feet, Kauaʻi's north shore at Hanalei is 5.8 feet. Watch for shore break and rip currents at both. Maui's Kāʻanapali is small at 3.4 feet, comfortable for most swimmers. The Big Island's Hapuna is calm at 1.6 feet — good for families and snorkelers.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is operating with some trail closures: Kīpukapuaulu is closed due to hazardous trees, and the Sulphur Banks Bridge is down — though the boardwalk is open. Kīlauea is at watch level. If you're on the summit, protect yourself from volcanic ash.
If you're tracking the Big Island's volcanic activity, we've been following Kīlauea closely. As of mid-September, there's no active ground lava, but the volcano is building pressure and may resume activity at established or newer vents in the summit area. The next phase is still uncertain, so if that's where you're headed, check the latest park alerts before you go.
By mid-week, a tropical system southeast of the islands will bring heavier rain and isolated thunderstorms, especially on the Big Island's eastern side. Winds will lighten briefly mid-week, then pick back up Friday and hold through the weekend. Keep an eye on the official forecast for updates on that system.
For what we're tracking in the days ahead, check the site. Catch you tomorrow morning.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Saturday 2026-09-19
Aloha. Saturday morning. Dry weekend ahead, then tropical moisture moves in Tuesday. Mele here with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
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Aloha. Saturday morning. Dry weekend ahead, then tropical moisture moves in Tuesday. Mele here with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
This weekend stays dry with moderate trade winds. Windward areas and the Kona slopes will see some showers, but leeward coasts are mostly clear—solid beach days. Tuesday through Thursday, that flips. Tropical moisture arrives and you're looking at notably wetter conditions statewide. If you've got outdoor plans, finish them by Monday.
Surf is up on the south and north shores of Oʻahu—5.1 feet and 4.4 feet respectively, both moderate. Watch for rip currents and shore break. Kauaʻi's north shore is hitting 5.8 feet. Maui and the Big Island are much calmer—Hapuna is nearly flat at 1.5 feet, perfect for swimmers and kids.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open. Kīpukapuaulu Trail is closed due to hazardous trees, and Sulphur Banks Bridge is down—the boardwalk stays open. Kīlauea is at a Watch alert level. Breezy trade winds mean a Small Craft Advisory is active for Maui County and Big Island waters through the weekend.
Our latest piece on Kīlauea tracks what's happening at the summit right now. HVO reported no active lava flows as of Friday, but there's minor spatter at the north vent as the mountain starts to swell again. If you're planning a Big Island volcano visit, that article breaks down what you can actually see on the ground.
Next week brings the wetter pattern—Tuesday through Thursday, plan flexible outdoor schedules and monitor tropical updates if nearby systems develop.
Get to the leeward beaches today while conditions are clear. See you Monday.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Friday 2026-09-18
Aloha. Friday morning. Tropical moisture is moving in—showers and possible thunderstorms on the Big Island and Kauaʻi today, but the weekend clears out nicely.
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Aloha. Friday morning. Tropical moisture is moving in—showers and possible thunderstorms on the Big Island and Kauaʻi today, but the weekend clears out nicely.
Today expect enhanced showers, particularly on Kauaʻi and the western islands. The Kona slopes of the Big Island have a slight chance of thunderstorms this afternoon. The good news: heavy rain isn't in the forecast, and the earlier Flood Watch is off. If you're heading out today, bring rain gear—the beach plans are better saved for tomorrow. Saturday and Sunday dry out considerably as trade winds pick up and showers retreat to windward areas mostly at night.
Surf is moderate across Oʻahu at 4.1 feet on both shores, with strong shore break and rip currents. Kauaʻi's running 5.7 feet, also moderate and choppy. Maui is gentler at 2.8 feet, comfortable for swimmers. The Big Island is nearly flat at 1.4 feet. South swell's building and could reach advisory levels by Saturday on east-facing shores. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through tomorrow morning around Maui County and the Big Island.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park remains at WATCH alert. Kīpukapuaulu Trail is closed due to hazardous trees, Sulphur Banks Bridge is under maintenance, and Hilina Pali Road has shoulder work running through November. The boardwalk at Sulphur Banks is open. If you're heading to the park, check alerts before you go.
Our latest report on Kīlauea shows no active lava flows right now, though the summit vents are still glowing. The irregular deformation at the summit makes it hard to predict when fountaining might resume, so forecasting the next eruptive window stays uncertain. If you're planning a Big Island volcano trip and want to know what's currently visible and what conditions to expect, we've covered the status on the site.
Saturday and Sunday are your best bets for beach and water activities. Monday stays mostly clear. Tuesday through Thursday, another system brings tropical moisture back with heavier showers, especially on the southeastern islands.
Friday's a rain day, but the weekend is yours. Catch you tomorrow morning.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Thursday 2026-09-17
Aloha. Thursday morning. Moisture from the remnants of Tropical Storm Norbert is moving in, and it's bringing heavy showers and thunderstorm risk through Friday. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
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Aloha. Thursday morning. Moisture from the remnants of Tropical Storm Norbert is moving in, and it's bringing heavy showers and thunderstorm risk through Friday. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
Expect frequent showers on windward and upslope areas — some will be heavy. A Flood Watch is in effect through late tonight, so avoid stream crossings and low-lying areas prone to flash flooding. Leeward shores will stay drier, especially lower elevations. The system gradually moves out by Saturday.
Seas are choppy through Friday with a Small Craft Advisory around Maui and Big Island channels. Oʻahu's south shore is running small at 3.9 feet — comfortable for swimmers. The north shore is moderate at 4.5 feet with stronger shore break. If you're on Kauaʻi, Hanalei is moderate at 5.8 feet. Today's a watch-from-shore day, not a swim day.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open, but several areas are closed. Kīpukapuaulu Trail is closed due to hazardous trees, Hilina Pali Road has shoulder work through mid-November, and the Sulphur Banks Bridge is closed — though the boardwalk is still open. Kīlauea remains elevated, so be prepared for volcanic ash if you're heading to the summit.
Our latest post covers Kīlauea's activity — new vents stagnated Wednesday evening, though established vents are still glowing and high fountaining hasn't been announced yet. If you're planning a Big Island volcano trip in January, our Volcano Awareness Month guide walks you through what to expect when conditions stabilize and will help you time your visit if programs get announced.
Thursday and Friday are better for indoor activities or lower-elevation leeward areas. Conditions improve significantly by Saturday — weekend showers arrive only in early mornings, with dry afternoons taking over.
Dry out and stay safe near water. Catch you tomorrow.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Wednesday 2026-09-16
Aloha. Wednesday morning. Winds are picking up today, and the rain starts rolling in tonight. Here's what's happening in Hawaiʻi.
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Aloha. Wednesday morning. Winds are picking up today, and the rain starts rolling in tonight. Here's what's happening in Hawaiʻi.
Today stays mostly dry on the leeward sides, but windward areas are already catching scattered showers that'll ramp up significantly late tonight. Expect heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms Thursday and Friday, especially if you're planning windward hikes or exploring the mountains — bring indoor backups. Winds are strengthening throughout the week, so secure anything loose. Friday evening clears out, and the weekend looks drier, though it'll stay breezy.
Surf is small today — the Big Island's nearly glassy at 1.2 feet, Maui's at 2.2, and Oʻahu's running 3.1 to 3.2 depending on the shore. Kauaʻi's the busiest at 3.5. Safe for swimmers and snorkelers, but watch for the occasional larger set. South and east-facing beaches will see that swell building toward the weekend.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is operating under a Watch alert for Kīlauea. Kīpukapuaulu Trail is closed due to hazardous trees, Hilina Pali Road is under shoulder work through mid-November, and the Sulphur Banks Bridge is closed — though the boardwalk is open. There's volcanic ash in the air near the park, so check current conditions before heading to the Big Island.
Our recent piece on Kīlauea covers the new vents and what that means for the eruption outlook. HVO's latest report describes possible continuous lava flows, but high fountains haven't started yet — the next phase remains uncertain. If you're planning a Big Island trip and want to see active volcanic activity, that post walks through what's actually happening on the ground right now.
Thursday and Friday are indoor-activity days if you're on the windward side. Weekend looks drier with moderate winds, though south-facing beaches will be seeing that swell build.
If Kīlauea is on your Big Island itinerary, check the park alerts before you go. Full forecast is on the site. Talk to you in the morning.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Tuesday 2026-09-15
Aloha. Tuesday morning. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
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Aloha. Tuesday morning. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
Trade winds are picking up to moderate strength through Wednesday, but today stays mostly dry — just isolated showers on windward shores and higher elevations. This is your window for water time. Late Wednesday night, tropical moisture from the remnants of Tropical Storm Norbert moves in, bringing heavy rain and possible thunderstorms through early Friday. Plan accordingly.
Surf is small across most islands this morning — Oʻahu south shore at 2.6 feet, Kāʻanapali at 1.9 feet, and Hapuna glass-calm at 1.2 feet. Kauaʻi sits at 3.4 feet, a bit more energy there. Today is a solid day for swimming and snorkeling. Watch for swell building gradually through the weekend on south and east-facing shores.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open, but several trails are closed. Kīpukapuaulu Trail is shut due to hazardous trees, and Sulphur Banks Bridge is down — though the boardwalk stays open. Hilina Pali Road has shoulder work running through November. Kīlauea remains under volcano watch.
If winter water time is on your radar, our snorkeling guide breaks down which sheltered shores stay calm from November through April, island by island. Winter flips where the protected water is — south and leeward sides become your best bet instead of summer's windward picks. The piece walks through daily condition tips too, so you know what to expect when you arrive.
Wednesday winds pick up heading into late week. Thursday the heavy rain moves in through early Friday, then it eases. Another batch of tropical moisture might arrive early next week, so keep an eye on the forecast as the weekend develops.
If you're heading to the water this week, grab that snorkeling guide. Catch you tomorrow.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Monday 2026-09-14
Aloha. Monday morning. Warm and muggy across the state right now, but a wet pattern is moving in midweek — heavy rain on windward areas Thursday and Friday. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
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Aloha. Monday morning. Warm and muggy across the state right now, but a wet pattern is moving in midweek — heavy rain on windward areas Thursday and Friday. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
Today and tomorrow stay warm with light showers mostly on the windward side and mountains. The air is sticky — moisture from the tropical system is already here. Wednesday things shift. Thursday and Friday bring heavy rain, especially windward and upslope. Leeward stays hot and humid but drier. Trade winds pick up Thursday. If you're planning snorkeling or beach time, Tuesday and Wednesday morning on the leeward side are your window before conditions get rough.
Surf is small right now across most islands — 2.8 feet on Oʻahu south shore, 3.2 on the north shore, 2.2 at Kāʻanapali on Maui. The Big Island is calm at 1.2 feet. Kauaʻi's at 3.9. All comfortable for swimmers today, but swells build as the week goes on. North shores stay flat.
At Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hilina Pali Road has shoulder work running through mid-November. Kīpukapuaulu Trail is closed due to hazardous trees, and the Sulphur Banks Bridge is down — the boardwalk stays open. Kīlauea is on watch status with active precursor activity, so check conditions before you head up.
We posted an update last week on Kīlauea's Episode 55 — stronger north-vent spattering, bursts reaching 35 to 70 feet. If you're a volcano watcher or planning a Big Island trip around the park, it's worth tracking. We also have a winter snorkeling guide covering the best sheltered spots from November through April, island by island, with daily condition tips — solid planning for a January trip if you want to know where to land in the water regardless of swell.
Wednesday winds pick up, Thursday the swell starts climbing to near-advisory levels, and the weekend stays unsettled with scattered showers lingering Saturday before conditions improve.
If you're on the leeward side this week, grab your snorkel time before Thursday. Full snorkeling guide is on the site. Catch you tomorrow.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Sunday 2026-09-13
Aloha. Sunday morning in Hawaiʻi. I'm Mele with what's happening across the islands today and into the week ahead.
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Aloha. Sunday morning in Hawaiʻi. I'm Mele with what's happening across the islands today and into the week ahead.
Today and tomorrow are your dry window. Light winds, mostly clear skies, and just a few passing showers on the windward side. Late Monday clouds and scattered showers start moving in from the northeast, but it'll still be manageable. Then Wednesday night through Friday, expect heavier rain across the state as tropical remnants head our way. If you're planning outdoor activities, Sunday through Tuesday is your sweet spot.
Surf is small and friendly right now. Oʻahu's south shore is running 2.8 feet, the north shore 3.5 feet — both comfortable for swimmers and beginner snorkelers. Maui's at 2.4 feet, and the Big Island is glassy and calm at 1.4 feet. Kauaʻi's a little livelier at 4.4 feet with some shore break, so watch for rip currents if you're heading there. Later in the week as new swells arrive, south-facing shores will start to build.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open, but several trails are closed. Kīpukapuaulu is shut due to hazardous trees, and the Sulphur Banks Bridge is down — the boardwalk is still open. Hilina Pali Road has shoulder work scheduled through mid-November. Kīlauea is at watch level and actively erupting, so check the park's live status before heading out. Volcanic ash can be present depending on wind, so protect yourself if you're driving nearby.
We posted an update on Kīlauea's precursor activity Saturday. Stronger activity was reported, and fountaining is possible through today. If the Big Island's on your itinerary, check the live eruption status before you drive out to the park — it'll tell you exactly what's active and when. Visibility and volcanic ash depend on wind direction, so conditions shift throughout the day.
Wednesday winds pick up, Thursday the rain increases, and Friday stays wet before conditions ease into the weekend. Keep beach time and snorkeling for the next two days while it's dry and calm.
Full island updates are on the site. Talk to you tomorrow morning.
Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Saturday 2026-09-12
Aloha. Saturday morning in Hawaiʻi. Typical trade wind weather, mostly dry, with just light showers on windward slopes. I'm Mele with what's happening across the islands today.
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Aloha. Saturday morning in Hawaiʻi. Typical trade wind weather, mostly dry, with just light showers on windward slopes. I'm Mele with what's happening across the islands today.
Leeward areas and the south shore will be pleasant through tomorrow. Winds are light to moderate, and humidity's dropping as earlier moisture clears out. Enjoy this window — a tropical disturbance moves in mid-week and will bring more showers and moisture starting Tuesday or Wednesday.
Surf is small across the board — 3.3 feet at Waikīkī, 3.4 at Waimea, and under 2 feet on Maui and the Big Island. It's a solid swim and snorkel day at most breaks. Kauaʻi's running 4.3 feet with some shore break, so watch for rip currents if you're heading there.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is at WATCH alert due to Kīlauea's eruption status. Hilina Pali Road is closed for shoulder work through mid-November, and Kīpukapuaulu Trail is closed due to hazardous trees. Volcanic ash can be present on the approach roads, so check conditions before you drive.
We posted an update on Kīlauea's current situation — lava overflow began September 7, and Episode 55 fountaining is still ahead. The piece walks you through what's happening on the ground and what to watch for before heading to the park. If you're planning a Big Island volcano trip soon, it's worth reading to see what's open and what conditions to expect.
Through next week, watch for that tropical disturbance arriving mid-week and potentially Tropical Storm Norbert, still over 1,800 miles away but tracking toward the islands. Monitor the National Hurricane Center for updates on timing and impacts.
Grab our snorkeling guide if you're heading to sheltered shores today — this is prime water-time. Catch you tomorrow.
About the show
Hosted by Mele
Mele is the show's solo narrator — warm, grounded, knowledgeable. She walks you through what today actually looks like across the Hawaiian Islands: surf, weather, what's open, and one or two articles worth your time. Mele is a computer-generated voice created with AI. HawaiiGuide defines and monitors the editorial standards behind each briefing.
What you get
- Live surf heights for the four main islands
- Plain-English weather summary from the NWS Honolulu forecast discussion
- Volcano + park status (closures, eruption updates)
- This week's events worth knowing about
- One or two recent articles from the site, conversationally
Built fresh every morning
Every episode is built from live data feeds (NWS, USGS, NOAA buoys, NPS, Ticketmaster) — not pre-recorded. If a forecast changes overnight, the next morning's episode reflects it. Each script runs through a three-model editorial pipeline for drafting, factual grounding, and revision before the audio is rendered. Episodes are served straight from our RSS feed with zero tracking and no podcast-app middleware.
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Hawaiʻi Weather Forecast
Today’s Weather Brief · Audio · ~45s
Updated
Read the transcript
Mostly dry and pleasant across Oʻahu today, with light winds and low humidity. Leeward areas will warm up nicely.
Monday night into Tuesday, windward areas of the Big Island and Maui will see showers as moisture moves in from the east. Oʻahu stays mostly dry. The system moves quick, so the rain won't stick around long. Starting Wednesday, trade winds pick up and gradually strengthen through the weekend. By Thursday and Friday, expect noticeably fresh and breezy conditions, with sustained gusts by the weekend.
Today is ideal for leeward beaches and sunset watching.
Read the transcript
Clear skies over Maui today with light winds—leeward areas will be warm and comfortable, though the Big Island may pick up scattered showers later. Humidity is low, so it's pleasant across the board.
Monday night into Tuesday, expect showers to move in on the windward side as moisture pushes through from the east. The system moves fast, so the rain won't stick around long. Everywhere else stays mostly dry. Starting Wednesday, trade winds strengthen and gradually pick up through the weekend. By Thursday and Friday, winds turn gusty and sustained, especially here on Maui. Plan on breezy conditions by the weekend, with another band of moisture later in the week bringing windward showers mainly at night and early morning.
Leeward beaches and sunsets are your play for today. Windward areas are best saved for after midday tomorrow once the showers clear.
Read the transcript
Sky's mostly clear and dry right now across the Big Island, though you may see scattered showers later today. Winds are light, so leeward areas will warm up nicely.
Monday night into Tuesday, the windward side will see rain showers move in from the east—moisture pushes through quickly, so the rain won't last long. Starting Wednesday, trade winds pick up and gradually strengthen through the weekend. By Thursday and Friday, expect noticeably fresh and gusty conditions, especially on the Big Island, with sustained gusts by the weekend. Low humidity early in the week means elevated fire risk in leeward areas.
Head to the leeward beaches today and catch the sunset. Tomorrow's best for windward activities after midday, once the showers clear.
Read the transcript
Mostly dry and pleasant right now, with light winds and low humidity. Leeward areas will warm up nicely.
Monday night into Tuesday, windward areas of the Big Island and Maui will see rain showers increase as moisture moves in from the east. The rain clears quickly. Starting Wednesday, trade winds pick up and gradually strengthen through the weekend. By Thursday and Friday, winds will become noticeably fresh and breezy, especially around the Big Island and Maui—plan on sustained gusty conditions by the weekend. A second band of moisture later this week could bring another round of windward showers, mainly at night and in the morning.
Leeward beaches and sunsets work well today while conditions stay calm. Windward activities work better Tuesday afternoon onward, once the showers clear.
Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out
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