Latest / Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing / Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Sunday 2026-10-18

Transcript

Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Sunday 2026-10-18 · Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing

• 0:00
  Aloha. Sunday morning in Hawaiʻi. Trade winds are fresh and strong today, with gusty downslope winds developing on the leeward side — I'm Mele with what's happening across the islands.
• 2:02
  Today stays windy through at least mid-week. Windward areas will catch most of the rain, especially higher elevations, but expect brief showers spilling over to leeward sides overnight and into early morning. Leeward areas face near-critical fire weather today and tomorrow: hot, dry, and gusty. If you're planning a hike, windward and higher elevations are your best bet during daylight. Save leeward sunset activities for earlier in the day.
• 2:24
  Rough trade wind swell is pumping the east-facing shores through Tuesday, so avoid those beaches for swimming. Oʻahu's north shore is running 5.7 feet and the south shore 4.5 feet—moderate, but with strong shore break and rip currents. Kāʻanapali on Maui is small at 3.2 feet, while Hapuna on the Big Island is calm at 1.7 feet. Kauaʻi's Hanalei is running 7.5 feet—experienced swimmers and surfers only. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Monday morning.
• 2:47
  At Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the Kīpukapuaulu Trail is closed due to hazardous trees and hanging limbs. Volcanic ash is also a concern in the area, so check conditions before you head out.
• 2:57
  Aloha Tower reopened Wednesday after five years, and the free observation deck is now open to visitors. If you're planning a downtown Honolulu day, it's worth adding to your itinerary — the views from up there are hard to beat. Check the daily hours before you go, and watch for future work closures if you're planning a longer visit.
• 3:14
  Wednesday winds pick up as the high-pressure system starts to move. Thursday onward, a weak system approaches from the northwest, which could bring more showers overall, though the exact timing is still uncertain. Most rain will stay windward and higher up, but leeward areas could see scattered wet spells.
• 3:29
  If you're heading to the beach this week, our Oʻahu Essential guide covers the safest spots when the swell is running high. Talk to you in the morning.