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Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing — Wednesday 2026-08-12 · Aloha Today — Your Daily Hawaii Briefing

• 0:00
  Aloha. Wednesday morning. A tropical system is 900 miles out, threatening the weekend — which means today through Friday is your last solid window before things change. I'm Mele with what's happening in Hawaiʻi.
• 1:53
  Mostly dry through Friday morning with just light showers on windward slopes. Trade winds pick up gradually, especially Friday. Hiking, snorkeling, beach time all feel good right now. Friday evening onward becomes uncertain — damaging winds possible, heavy rain on east-facing slopes with flash flood risk, and dangerous swells up to 15-plus feet building Friday into the weekend. Wildfire danger runs high Friday with strong winds and dry air. Monitor hurricane.gov and National Weather Service updates as the track becomes clearer.
• 2:20
  Oʻahu's south shore is running 5 feet — moderate, watch for shore break and rip currents. North shore is 3.9 feet, Maui at 3.4 feet, Kauaʻi at 3.7 feet — all comfortable for swimmers right now. Big Island sits calm at 1.6 feet, ideal for kids and snorkelers. That changes Friday when dangerous swells hit the east-facing coasts.
• 2:37
  Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has several closures in effect: Hilina Pali Road, Sulfur Banks Trail, and Kīpukapuaulu Trail are all closed due to fire risk and hazardous trees. Kīlauea is at advisory status. Check the park alerts before you head out.
• 2:49
  Our new piece on Hawaiʻi's tourism plans breaks down what visitors actually need to do differently. The state's pushing travelers to respect places under strain — smarter parking choices, alternative routes, and spreading spending to communities beyond the usual resort zones. If you're planning weekends across the islands, that guide walks through what it means for your trip.
• 3:08
  Thursday winds pick up further, Friday the swell starts climbing, and the weekend stays unsettled with heavy rain and dangerous conditions depending on the storm track.
• 3:16
  Make today count. Catch you tomorrow.