Latest / Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing / Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Saturday 2026-07-04
Transcript
- 0:00Aloha. Saturday morning, and it's Independence Day across the islands. Fireworks are lighting up Ala Moana tonight and resort areas everywhere. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
- 1:46Leeward shores stay mostly dry today — smart choice if you're heading to the beach for the holiday. Kauaʻi and the Big Island will see showers inland and on windward slopes. Winds are steady now but kick up Sunday and Monday. Fire conditions this weekend are moderate to near critical, so avoid any flames if you're in drier areas. South-facing beaches are climbing toward high surf advisory levels by tomorrow.
- 2:06South shores are building to moderate conditions — Waikīkī at 4.2 feet, Kāʻanapali at 3.1, good for confident swimmers. Kauaʻi's north shore is running 5.9 feet with rougher shore break. The Big Island stays glassy at 1.5 feet, making it solid for snorkeling if you're on that end.
- 2:20Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open, but several trails and roads are closed — Kīpukapuaulu is shut due to hazardous trees, and the Lava Tube Bridge is under repair. Check ahead before you go. Volcanic ash is present in the park, so keep that in mind if you have respiratory sensitivities.
- 2:35If the kids are catching the holiday and eyeing the water, our piece on kids' surf camps walks through how they're structured, what they cost, and where visiting families book them across Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, and the Big Island. It's a solid option if everyone's interest is hooked by the ocean. The full guide is on the site.
- 2:51Sunday and Monday will be windier and rougher on exposed coasts — plan water activities around those days. By late next week, a tropical system may bring more showers statewide, starting on windward and upslope areas.
- 3:02Enjoy the fireworks tonight. Stay safe on the water this weekend. Aloha.