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Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Wednesday 2026-07-22 · Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing

• 0:00
  Aloha. Wednesday morning. Trade winds are picking up, and the south shore swell is about to climb. What's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
• 2:01
  Windward areas—the rainy sides of Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, and Maui—are getting periodic showers through the morning, but most will be light and brief. Afternoon should clear out. If you're planning a summit trip or a windward hike, aim for the afternoon window. Leeward shores stay drier all day, so that's your best bet for a beach afternoon.
• 2:18
  Oʻahu's south shore is at 4.7 feet right now—moderate and manageable, but watch for shore break and rip currents. The north shore is smaller at 3.9 feet and comfortable for swimmers. Kauaʻi's also moderate at 4.5 feet. Maui's at 3.5 feet, and the Big Island is calm at 1.2 feet. But south-facing swells are climbing through Thursday and Friday.
• 2:35
  Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has several closures in place. Kahuku Unit Roads, Kīpukapuaulu Trail due to hazardous trees, and the Lava Tube Bridge are all temporarily closed. The park is open, but Kīlauea's at advisory level, so if you're heading there, plan your route around the closed areas and watch for volcanic ash, especially on windward slopes.
• 2:52
  If you're heading to Volcanoes Park, our piece on Kaʻū coffee pairs naturally with a crater day—small family farms on Mauna Loa's south slopes, distinct terroir, quieter than Kona. The drive itself is worth the time if you're not rushing. And if you're looking beyond the usual trail circuit, we've also covered where to see nēnē—Hawaiʻi's state bird—during nesting season, and the real story behind the green flash at sunset.
• 3:14
  South-facing beaches hit high surf advisory levels Thursday through Friday, potentially near-warning heights. That swell holds through the weekend. Strong winds are coming to channels around Maui and the Big Island, with gusts near gale force Thursday and Friday—hazardous for boating. If you're heading out on the water, keep tabs on the marine forecast. Winds ease slightly by Sunday.
• 3:33
  Check back tomorrow for the full week. Catch you then.