Latest / Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing / Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Thursday 2026-09-17
Transcript
- 0:00Aloha. Thursday morning. Moisture from the remnants of Tropical Storm Norbert is moving in, and it's bringing heavy showers and thunderstorm risk through Friday. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
- 1:48Expect frequent showers on windward and upslope areas — some will be heavy. A Flood Watch is in effect through late tonight, so avoid stream crossings and low-lying areas prone to flash flooding. Leeward shores will stay drier, especially lower elevations. The system gradually moves out by Saturday.
- 2:03Seas are choppy through Friday with a Small Craft Advisory around Maui and Big Island channels. Oʻahu's south shore is running small at 3.9 feet — comfortable for swimmers. The north shore is moderate at 4.5 feet with stronger shore break. If you're on Kauaʻi, Hanalei is moderate at 5.8 feet. Today's a watch-from-shore day, not a swim day.
- 2:20Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open, but several areas are closed. Kīpukapuaulu Trail is closed due to hazardous trees, Hilina Pali Road has shoulder work through mid-November, and the Sulphur Banks Bridge is closed — though the boardwalk is still open. Kīlauea remains elevated, so be prepared for volcanic ash if you're heading to the summit.
- 2:38Our latest post covers Kīlauea's activity — new vents stagnated Wednesday evening, though established vents are still glowing and high fountaining hasn't been announced yet. If you're planning a Big Island volcano trip in January, our Volcano Awareness Month guide walks you through what to expect when conditions stabilize and will help you time your visit if programs get announced.
- 2:57Thursday and Friday are better for indoor activities or lower-elevation leeward areas. Conditions improve significantly by Saturday — weekend showers arrive only in early mornings, with dry afternoons taking over.
- 3:08Dry out and stay safe near water. Catch you tomorrow.