Hawaiʻi Severe Weather

What Visitors Need to Know

Updated 21 Aug. 2026 | 12:00 p.m. HST

Tropical Storm Moke

Tropical Storm Moke is forecast to pass south of the Hawaiian Islands this weekend. While the center of the storm is expected to remain south of the state, heavy rainfall and flash flooding are possible, particularly on Hawaiʻi Island.

  • Flood Watch, Hawaiʻi Island: The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Hawaiʻi Island from late Saturday night, 22 August, through Monday afternoon, 24 August. Because the ground remains saturated following Tropical Storm Lala, it may take less rainfall than usual to cause flash flooding. Flood-prone roads and low-lying areas may become impassable, and streams may rise quickly.
  • Other Islands: Maui may see elevated wind and surf Saturday into Sunday. Oʻahu and Kauaʻi are expected to see lesser impacts, mainly wind and rain, arriving later, Sunday into Monday.
  • What this means for your trip: If you're traveling to or within the islands this weekend, monitor official forecasts and check directly with your airline, accommodation, and activity providers for updates that may affect your plans.

Know Before You Go

Flights: Airports statewide remain open and flights are operating as scheduled. Continue to check your flight status directly with your airline before heading to the airport.

In the Water: Elevated surf and rough ocean conditions are possible, particularly along east-facing shores. Follow posted warnings and guidance from lifeguards and local authorities. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health advises staying out of ocean and stream waters that appear brown or murky.

Parks, Trails & Attractions: Weather conditions may affect outdoor activities, parks and tours this weekend. Check directly with the managing agency, tour operator or attraction before heading out.

After Lala: Traveling on Hawaiʻi Island

Tropical Storm Lala has passed the Hawaiian Islands, and visitor operations have largely returned to normal. However, significant repair and cleanup work continues in some Hawaiʻi Island communities, particularly in Kaʻū.

Visitors can support Hawaiʻi's communities by traveling responsibly—supporting businesses that are open and ready to welcome them, while respecting closures and giving residents and repair crews the space they need.

Kaʻū District (southeastern Hawaiʻi Island): The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation has closed Māmalahoa Highway (Route 11) to through traffic between South Point Road and Kamani Street in Pāhala. Visitors should refrain from traveling to the Kaʻū district at this time due to road closures and active repair and cleanup efforts (County of Hawaiʻi Hurricane Lala press conference, 17 August).

Visitors traveling south from Hilo should not continue beyond the main entrance to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Route 11. Please give residents and crews the space they need to complete repairs.

Map showing Route 11 closure in the Kaʻū district of Hawaiʻi Island

Travel Between Kona & Hilo: Do not use Route 11 through Kaʻū to travel between the west and east sides of the island. Instead, use Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Route 200) or Route 19 through Waimea and Hāmākua.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: Not all areas of the park have reopened. Check nps.gov/havo for the latest conditions and access information before visiting.

Power & Connectivity: Power has been restored to most areas, though localized outages may continue as crews repair storm-damaged power lines and utility poles. Check the Hawaiʻi Island Outage Map for current outage information. In areas experiencing outages, some businesses and gas stations may be unable to process card payments, so visitors are encouraged to carry cash as a backup.

 

This page will be updated as conditions change. Last updated 21 August 2026, 12:00 p.m. HST.