Latest / Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing / Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Thursday 2026-08-20
Transcript
- 0:00Aloha. Thursday morning. Weakening winds today, but a tropical storm is likely forming southeast of the islands. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
- 1:32Trade winds drop significantly today as a system passes overhead — expect clouds and scattered showers on leeward shores during the day, windward areas tonight. Friday winds pick back up, but the real story is this weekend. A tropical storm is forming southeast right now, and the National Hurricane Center will issue forecasts this morning. Heavy rain and stronger winds are likely hitting the east side Saturday night into Sunday, and the west side Sunday into Monday. Track and timing are still uncertain, so keep an eye on updates.
- 1:59Surf is small across most islands — 3 feet at Waikīkī and the north shore, 2.4 on Maui, and 1.4 feet on the Big Island. Kauaʻi is running 4.1 feet with moderate conditions and some shore break, but today is still a comfortable water day before the system moves in.
- 2:12Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is closed and without power. Kīlauea remains in eruption, and volcanic ash hazards are in effect. Check the park website for reopening updates before you plan a visit.
- 2:22If you're planning a winter trip, our guide on booking rental cars before the December rush is worth a read. December and New Year's get competitive fast for car rentals, so the piece walks through how to lock in a refundable rate early and check it again closer to your travel dates. It's practical planning that saves you time and money.
- 2:39Head over to hawaii-guide dot com slash this-week for what we're tracking.
- 2:43Make the most of today's calmer conditions if you're near the water. Catch you tomorrow.