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Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Wednesday 2026-09-23 · Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing

• 0:00
  Aloha. Wednesday morning. A tropical depression south of the islands is strengthening into a hurricane, and it's heading this way. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
• 1:59
  Rain is already picking up across the Big Island and windward Maui, and it'll get heavier through the weekend. The system moves near or over the Big Island late Friday through Saturday, bringing damaging winds and extreme rainfall — possibly over 20 inches on windward and southeastern slopes. A Flood Watch is in effect through Saturday afternoon for the Big Island, Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi. If you're in either location, today's the day to stock up, fuel up, and secure anything outside.
• 2:24
  Surf is moderate on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi — 4.7 feet on the south shore, 5.2 on the north shore — so watch for shore break and rip currents if you're in the water. Maui and the Big Island are smaller and calmer right now, but that changes fast as the system approaches.
• 2:37
  Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is at an elevated alert level. Crater Rim Drive West, Mauna Loa Road, and Kīpukapuaulu Trail are closed for hazardous tree work. The Sulphur Banks boardwalk stays open. If the hurricane track shifts toward the Big Island with full force, park access may change — conditions are fluid right now.
• 2:53
  We've been tracking Kīlauea precursory activity over the past couple weeks, and our piece on that goes into what lava flows look like in their early stages — helpful if you're following the volcano. Right now, though, the immediate story is the hurricane. This is a major weather system, and the Big Island and Maui are in the direct path. If you're visiting this week, your plans will shift. Pack flexibility, keep an eye on official updates, and stay off roads Friday and Saturday if you're in the warning zone.
• 3:19
  Saturday and Sunday the system moves westward, and normal trade-wind weather should return early next week. Track uncertainty is high right now — other islands could see impacts depending on exactly where this tracks.
• 3:30
  Take this seriously if you're on the Big Island or Maui. Stay safe out there.