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Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Friday 2026-09-18 · Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing

• 0:00
  Aloha. Friday morning. Tropical moisture is moving in—showers and possible thunderstorms on the Big Island and Kauaʻi today, but the weekend clears out nicely.
• 2:01
  Today expect enhanced showers, particularly on Kauaʻi and the western islands. The Kona slopes of the Big Island have a slight chance of thunderstorms this afternoon. The good news: heavy rain isn't in the forecast, and the earlier Flood Watch is off. If you're heading out today, bring rain gear—the beach plans are better saved for tomorrow. Saturday and Sunday dry out considerably as trade winds pick up and showers retreat to windward areas mostly at night.
• 2:24
  Surf is moderate across Oʻahu at 4.1 feet on both shores, with strong shore break and rip currents. Kauaʻi's running 5.7 feet, also moderate and choppy. Maui is gentler at 2.8 feet, comfortable for swimmers. The Big Island is nearly flat at 1.4 feet. South swell's building and could reach advisory levels by Saturday on east-facing shores. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through tomorrow morning around Maui County and the Big Island.
• 2:46
  Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park remains at WATCH alert. Kīpukapuaulu Trail is closed due to hazardous trees, Sulphur Banks Bridge is under maintenance, and Hilina Pali Road has shoulder work running through November. The boardwalk at Sulphur Banks is open. If you're heading to the park, check alerts before you go.
• 3:02
  Our latest report on Kīlauea shows no active lava flows right now, though the summit vents are still glowing. The irregular deformation at the summit makes it hard to predict when fountaining might resume, so forecasting the next eruptive window stays uncertain. If you're planning a Big Island volcano trip and want to know what's currently visible and what conditions to expect, we've covered the status on the site.
• 3:22
  Saturday and Sunday are your best bets for beach and water activities. Monday stays mostly clear. Tuesday through Thursday, another system brings tropical moisture back with heavier showers, especially on the southeastern islands.
• 3:34
  Friday's a rain day, but the weekend is yours. Catch you tomorrow morning.