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Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Thursday 2026-07-23 · Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing

• 0:00
  Aloha. Thursday morning in Hawaiʻi. Big surf warning and strong winds through tomorrow — here's what you need to know.
• 1:59
  A High Surf Advisory is in effect through Friday morning on south and west-facing shores — waves are approaching dangerous levels. Oʻahu's south shore and Kauaʻi are the roughest; Maui's west side is running smaller, so if you're in Kāʻanapali, you can still swim. Windward areas and mountains will see scattered showers mostly overnight and early morning. Leeward sides stay mostly dry and sunny. Winds are strong in the island channels through tomorrow, so boat tours are not happening today.
• 2:24
  Oʻahu's south shore is 5.1 feet with strong shore break — watch-from-the-beach conditions. North shore at Waimea is 4.4 feet, same story. Kauaʻi hits 5.6 feet. If you need calm water, the Big Island is your safest bet — Hapuna is 1.4 feet and glass-still, and Maui's Kāʻanapali at 3.7 feet is small enough for swimmers.
• 2:40
  Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has several closures today. The Lava Tube Bridge is undergoing replacement, Kīpukapuaulu Trail is closed due to hazardous trees, and Kahuku Unit roads are shut. The park remains at an advisory level for volcanic hazards. Stick to the main crater loop if you're heading up — most of that route is open.
• 2:57
  Our new piece on Kaʻū coffee is live — it's the Big Island's quieter coffee region on Mauna Loa's south slopes, small family farms with a distinct terroir that's different from Kona. If you're driving to Volcanoes Park, Kaʻū is a natural stop on the way. The piece walks through where to visit, what you'll taste, and how to pair a farm tour with a crater hike. It's worth a read if you're spending time on the Big Island this week.
• 3:18
  Tropical Cyclone Fausto is weakening in the Central Pacific but may affect the islands early next week — monitor updates for swell and possible rain as the system approaches.
• 3:27
  Stay off south-facing beaches through Friday if you're not a confident swimmer. Catch you tomorrow morning.