Latest / Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing / Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Monday 2026-08-31
Transcript
- 0:00Aloha. Monday morning in Hawaiʻi. Tropical Storm Lowell is spinning up south of the islands, and it's going to drive the week's weather. I'm Mele with what's happening today.
- 1:44Breezy trade winds and scattered showers through Wednesday — heaviest rain overnight and early morning, especially on windward slopes. Daytime looks mostly dry. Thursday and Friday are the rough stretch: Lowell strengthens into a hurricane passing roughly 300 miles south of the Big Island, with wind gusts exceeding 50 mph. Secure loose items outdoors. The storm should stay south, but outer rain bands could bring heavier showers Friday or Saturday.
- 2:07Surf is small on the Big Island and Maui — safe for swimmers. Oʻahu is moderate on both shores around 4.5 feet, so watch for shore break and rip currents. Kauaʻi is running large at 6.3 feet — that's experienced swimmers and surfers only.
- 2:19Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is mostly open with Kīlauea erupting. The park is at advisory level. The Sulphur Banks Bridge is closed but the boardwalk is accessible. Kahuku Unit stays closed. Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Tuesday for channels between islands.
- 2:33Our recent piece on Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach covers what just shifted — Hawaiʻi County services at that park ended after Friday. The beach itself is still accessible, but lifeguards, facilities, and restroom maintenance are gone. If you're heading to the Big Island soon, that post breaks down what to expect and how to plan around it.
- 2:49The forecast becomes much less certain for Labor Day weekend — there's a chance Lowell could track north, and a second storm named Karina may be in the area by late weekend. Check the National Hurricane Center updates regularly if you're planning weekend activities.
- 3:03Grab the full Punaluʻu post if the Big Island is your next stop. Catch you tomorrow.