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Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Thursday 2026-05-28 · Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing

• 0:00
  Aloha. Thursday morning. A big south swell is moving in tonight — that's the main story for the next few days. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
• 2:01
  Today stays breezy with trade winds keeping things active. Showers will stick to windward slopes and higher elevations, so leeward beaches stay mostly dry. Tomorrow morning you might see a brief uptick in clouds and showers before conditions improve. If you're heading to the beach today, stick to the dry side — Kīhei, Wailea, Kona, or anywhere leeward.
• 2:19
  Oʻahu's north shore is running 5.1 feet and moderate — watch for shore break and rip currents. South shore is 4.3 feet, also moderate. Maui's seeing small surf at 3.2 feet, comfortable for swimmers and beginner snorkelers. Big Island's glass-calm at 1.7 feet. Kauaʻi's larger at 6.6 feet — experienced swimmers and surfers only there.
• 2:36
  A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through 6 AM Friday for Maui County and Big Island waters — if you're boating, stay off. At Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the Kīpukapuaulu Trail and Lava Tube Bridge Replacement are closed. The summit area carries a caution for volcanic ash, so bring dust protection if you're heading up.
• 2:52
  If you're thinking ahead to summer snorkeling, our new piece breaks down why August and September are Hawaiʻi's calmest months for water. We cover where to snorkel on every island and what conditions fade as you move through the season. Those peak months fill up fast, so reading this now gives you a real advantage for planning.
• 3:09
  By the weekend, winds drop noticeably and north and west-facing coasts will see surf shrink. That significant south swell hitting tonight brings above-normal waves to south-facing shores Friday through early next week. Kīhei, Wailea, and Kona won't be ideal for beach activities or entry this weekend unless you're an experienced surfer. Early next week brings lighter winds overall and a return to the typical dry season pattern.
• 3:30
  If you're a surfer chasing swell, the south-facing shoreline is your spot Friday through the weekend. For everyone else, stick leeward and you'll have clear skies and calm conditions. Catch you tomorrow.