Latest / Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing / Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Wednesday 2026-05-27
Transcript
- 0:00Aloha. Wednesday morning in Hawaiʻi. Strong winds are in the forecast today, with showers ramping up Thursday and Friday before things clear out.
- 1:49Expect breezy conditions across all the islands today, especially on windward and mountain areas, with occasional showers there too. Thursday and Friday bring more widespread shower activity—windward slopes could see half an inch to an inch of rain, but most other spots stay relatively dry. If you're planning a windward hike, save it for the weekend when the system moves out and conditions improve.
- 2:10A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Thursday morning. Oʻahu's south shore is running 4.4 feet—moderate surf with shore break and rip currents, so watch your footing. The north shore is 5.1 feet with the same cautions. Kāʻanapali on Maui is smaller at 3.2 feet and safer for swimmers. The Big Island is calm at 1.6 feet. Kauaʻi's Hanalei Bay is at 7 feet—that's experienced swimmers and surfers only.
- 2:30Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park remains open, but the Kīpukapuaulu Trail and Lava Tube Bridge are closed for maintenance and hazardous trees. Kīlauea is at an advisory level, so if you're visiting that area, be aware of volcanic ash and follow the park's caution signs.
- 2:43If you're heading to Oʻahu this week, our new piece on where to buy fresh flower lei covers the HNL airport stands, Chinatown shops, what to ask for, and what you'll actually pay. It's one of those small local touches—picking up a real lei instead of the resort version lands differently. We've also got guides on farmers markets and what's in the stalls if you want to eat like a local while you're here.
- 3:04The weekend clears and dries out as the system moves through. Leeward beaches work best after Thursday when the conditions settle down.
- 3:10If you're planning beach time today, stick to the leeward side—it's the calmer option. Catch you tomorrow.