Latest / Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing / Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Friday 2026-07-17

Transcript

Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Friday 2026-07-17 · Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing

• 0:00
  Aloha. Friday morning. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today. Trade winds are steady through the weekend, leeward beaches are your sweet spot — mostly dry, mostly sunny.
• 1:40
  Windward slopes and higher elevations will catch the usual trade wind showers, so if you're planning a hike today, bring a rain layer or save it for early next week when things ease up. Leeward coasts — Kona, Kāʻanapali, the south shore — stay dry and warm. Good beach day if you're heading that direction.
• 1:55
  Waves are moderate on Oʻahu's south shore at 4.1 feet and Kauaʻi at 4.7 feet — watch for shore break and rip currents, especially in less protected spots. Maui and the Big Island are running small and comfortable for swimming. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Saturday evening for channels around Maui County and the Big Island, so boat traffic will be choppy.
• 2:14
  Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has several closures — Kahuku Unit roads are closed, the Kīpukapuaulu Trail is temporarily shut due to hazardous trees, and a lava tube bridge is under repair. The park remains on a volcano advisory due to Kīlauea's recent activity. Protect yourself from volcanic particles if you're heading up.
• 2:30
  Our new piece on Hawaiʻi's fall waterfall season just went live — September through November, when windward falls come back to life after the dry summer. The guide breaks down where to go on each island and how to hike them safely. If you're planning an island return trip in a few months, it's a solid read. For now, if waterfalls are on your list this weekend, just know that today's flow will be on the lighter side with the steady trade winds.
• 2:52
  Sunday through early next week, a bigger swell builds in, especially on east-facing shores. Trade winds will ease as high pressure weakens, so it's a good window for conditions to soften across the board.
• 3:03
  Grab a leeward beach spot this weekend while the sun's out. Talk to you tomorrow.