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Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Monday 2026-08-24 · Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing

• 0:00
  Aloha. Monday morning. Tropical Depression Moke is moving past the islands today, bringing rain and flood risk to the Big Island especially. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
• 1:56
  The Big Island is taking the hit — heavy rain on the windward and southeast slopes this afternoon, with flash flooding possible in the Kona Districts and southeast areas. A Flood Watch is in effect through this afternoon. Maui, Molokaʻi, and Kauaʻi will see lighter showers. Winds are easing as Moke moves away. If you're on Maui or Molokaʻi today, leeward activities and protected bays are your best bet. Conditions improve Tuesday.
• 2:18
  Ocean conditions are rough right now — east-facing shores have elevated surf from the system, and a Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Tuesday evening for boaters. Oʻahu's south shore is running 4.6 feet of moderate surf, Kauaʻi is 5.6 feet. Maui is smaller at 3.2 feet — a safer swim day there. The Big Island is 1.7 feet.
• 2:35
  Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island is temporarily closed today due to Moke. There's an active eruption at Kīlauea right now, and the storm is kicking up volcanic ash. Plan a visit for later in the week when conditions clear. Everything else across the islands is operating normally.
• 2:49
  If you're thinking ahead to the holidays, our new piece on Christmas airfare breaks down when to actually book for December travel to Hawaiʻi — spoiler: it's earlier than the mainland booking window tells you. The piece walks through the cheapest travel dates and fallback plans if December flights are sold out. Family reunion trip planning starts now.
• 3:07
  Moke moves southeast Tuesday and trade winds lighten — that's when the Big Island gets safer and the rain clears across the state. Normal summer weather returns for the rest of the week.
• 3:16
  If you're on the Big Island today, take the flood watch seriously — stay off low-lying roads and out of stream beds this afternoon. Talk to you tomorrow.