Latest / Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing / Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Thursday 2026-10-08
Transcript
- 0:00Aloha. It's Thursday morning, and Kauaʻi and Oʻahu are in the middle of heavy rain right now. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
- 1:52A band of rain is moving across the islands this morning with rates hitting 1 to 2 inches per hour in the worst spots. A Flood Watch is in effect through 6 PM today for Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, and Oʻahu. The heaviest should clear Oʻahu by early afternoon, but avoid hiking near streams and winding coastal roads—flash flooding is real right now. This is not the day for beach or summit activities.
- 2:12Oʻahu's north shore is running moderate at 5.4 feet with shore break and rip currents to watch. Kauaʻi's Hanalei is moderate at 5.1 feet. Waikiki is 4.3 feet. Maui and the Big Island have small surf today, comfortable for swimmers. Given the flooding watch on Kauaʻi and Oʻahu, the water's going to feel secondary today.
- 2:28Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has several closures in effect. Halemaʻumaʻu Trail and part of Byron Ledge are closed for safety. The Keanakākoʻi side of Kīlauea is closed due to volcanic unrest. Mauna Loa Road is blocked past the second cattle guard for tree removal. Check the park website before heading to the Big Island.
- 2:44If you're planning a Kauaʻi trip, our recent piece on Kauaʻi's recovery after the storm walks through which visitor businesses have reopened and what to check before booking. Most operations are back up, but local operators are reporting slow demand, so it's worth confirming access before you commit. That post gives you a real picture of where things stand right now.
- 3:02Tomorrow stays wet but less intense, with scattered showers and occasional heavy downpours, especially on leeward slopes. By Saturday, trade winds return and conditions dry out significantly.
- 3:12If you're driving today, those winding roads flood fast. Talk to you tomorrow.