Latest / Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing / Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Wednesday 2026-08-19
Transcript
- 0:00Aloha. Wednesday morning. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is closed and without power following Hurricane Lala. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
- 1:47Trade winds are weakening through Friday, which means lighter breezes and calmer conditions — good news for beach days and snorkeling. Expect scattered afternoon showers on the leeward sides, especially where sea breezes kick up, but they'll be brief. Summit trips and outdoor activities work well with these calmer conditions through Friday.
- 2:04Surf is small across the islands. Waikīkī is 3.4 feet, Waimea is 3.3 feet — comfortable for swimmers and beginners, with the occasional larger set to watch for. Kauaʻi's at 4.1 feet with more shore break and rip current action. The Big Island is nearly calm at 1.4 feet, perfect for families and kids.
- 2:19Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is closed without power following Hurricane Lala. Kīlauea remains at advisory level. If you're traveling to the Big Island in the coming days, timing your visit around the park's reopening will matter.
- 2:31If you're planning a trip to Hawaiʻi this holiday season, we've posted a recovery guide for visitors arriving in the next days or weeks after Hurricane Lala — what to expect, what resources are available, and how to stay safe. We've also got upcoming guides on holiday events across the islands: Honolulu City Lights with the tree lighting and Electric Light Parade in early December, the Waikīkī Holiday Parade in late November, and the Geminid meteor shower peeking mid-December on the right islands.
- 2:56Late this week a new swell from the Southern Ocean arrives. Early next week, a tropical system may develop southeast of the islands, but most forecasts keep it south of Hawaii — check updates as the weekend approaches.
- 3:07Our recovery guide is on the site if you're planning ahead. Catch you tomorrow.