Latest / Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing / Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Sunday 2026-08-16
Transcript
- 0:00Aloha. Sunday morning, and Tropical Storm Lala is moving through the islands right now. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi today.
- 1:45Lala is bringing damaging winds — gusts between 40 and 73 miles per hour across the islands, with some summits seeing over 100 miles per hour. Heavy rain is already falling on windward slopes, with 2 to 5 inches per hour in some spots. The Big Island is taking the worst of it — flash flooding is active on the Kau district's southeast side, and a few houses have already been swept away. Stay indoors, away from streams and coastal areas until the warnings lift.
- 2:08The ocean is dangerous right now. Kauaʻi's north shore is seeing 10.8-foot waves with vicious rip currents. Oʻahu's south and north shores are running 8 to 7 feet — large, powerful shore break. Stay out of the water entirely today unless you're an experienced surfer who knows these conditions. High Surf Warnings are posted statewide.
- 2:25Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is temporarily closed for storm safety and will reopen once conditions clear. Kīlauea is at advisory level. Do not attempt any summit hikes today — winds over 100 miles per hour and driving rain make them life-threatening.
- 2:38Our recovery guide posted yesterday covers what to do next — county contacts, insurance steps, cleanup safety tips, and help if you're a visitor dealing with cancellations or damage. Power outages and downed trees are reported across the state, so service disruptions are likely through tonight. Check on neighbors and stay weather-aware.
- 2:55Monday brings a sharp improvement as Lala clears and trade winds return. The rest of the week looks stable and drier — typical summer weather for the islands.
- 3:03Stay safe indoors today. Full recovery resources are on the site. Talk to you tomorrow.