Latest / Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing / Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Wednesday 2026-09-09
Transcript
- 0:00Aloha. Wednesday morning. Tropical Storm Lowell is moving away from Hawaiʻi, but scattered showers and a Flood Watch are in effect on the Big Island today. I'm Mele with what's happening.
- 1:45Windward coasts and the upper slopes of Maui and the Big Island will be dampest—afternoon showers are likely in the interior, with a small chance of thunderstorms. Spotty showers everywhere else, driven by sea breezes. If you're on the leeward side, you're clear. Save the windward hikes for Friday, when trade winds return and things dry out.
- 2:02Surf is elevated from the tropical system. Oʻahu's north shore is 6.6 feet and Kauaʻi is 7.3 feet—experienced swimmers and surfers only. South shore is moderate at 5.5 feet, so Waikiki works if you're watching for rip currents. The Big Island and Maui are smaller and comfortable for a swim. Everything gradually eases through the weekend.
- 2:19Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open today. The Sulphur Banks Bridge is closed, but the boardwalk is accessible. Kīlauea is at watch status—stay away from volcanic hazard zones, and give yourself extra time to check current conditions before heading up.
- 2:32If volcanoes are on your Big Island itinerary, Kīlauea is worth paying attention to right now. We've been tracking precursor activity closely, and our latest piece breaks down what's happening at the volcano and what to expect in the coming weeks. Precursor lava overflow began on September 7th, and fountaining could follow. The piece walks you through the timeline and how to check the volcano cameras before you visit the park.
- 2:53Thursday brings trade winds back and conditions remain somewhat wet on windward coasts. Friday through the weekend, expect typical trade wind weather—dry afternoons becoming more common.
- 3:03If you're heading to the Big Island today, grab your rain gear. See you tomorrow.