Latest / Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing / Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Tuesday 2026-08-11
Transcript
- 0:00Aloha. Tuesday morning in Hawaiʻi. I'm Mele with what's happening today across the islands.
- 1:43Trade winds are steady, scattered showers on windward slopes and mountains — leeward areas will be sunny and dry. The Kona side of the Big Island may see afternoon showers, but they should clear out as drier air moves in. If you're heading to a leeward beach, you're picking the right side of the island today.
- 1:59Surf is elevated on south and west-facing shores — Oʻahu's south shore is running 4.3 feet with moderate conditions and stronger shore break. North shores are flat. The Big Island's Hapuna is calm at 1.5 feet, great for families. Kauaʻi and Maui are comfortable for swimmers. Watch for rip currents where the swell is higher.
- 2:15Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is at advisory level due to Kīlauea eruption activity and volcanic ash. Several trails are closed for safety — Hilina Pali Road, Sulfur Banks, and Kīpukapuaulu are off-limits right now. Check the park site before you head out. Watch for minor coastal flooding around afternoon high tides through Wednesday.
- 2:32There's a tropical system developing about 1,100 miles east-southeast of the islands. It's too far to affect Hawaiʻi now, but track it if you're planning your week — conditions could shift significantly if it forms and moves this way. For the next few days, expect this trade wind pattern to hold, with moderate swell on the south and west shores and scattered windward moisture. Nothing dramatic — solid August conditions.
- 2:53Wednesday winds pick up slightly, and Thursday the swell starts climbing on south and west shores. Weekend stays rough through Friday, so plan water activities for earlier in the week if you prefer calmer conditions.
- 3:04If today's taking you to a leeward beach, grab our island guides for snorkeling spots and shaded lunch spots. Catch you tomorrow morning.