I’m sure you’ve seen the news about the Kona storm in Hawaii. This massive weather system has just hit the islands, triggering a serious Hawaii travel advisory. If you’ve already booked an Aloha tour, this storm will force travelers to reconsider their itineraries.
Let’s break down exactly what is happening on the ground, what your current travel options are, and how you can handle your bookings without losing your money.
Table of contents
Is It Safe to Go to Hawaii Right Now?
How to Ensure Safety
What Other Similar Islands Can I Visit?
Is It Safe to Go to Hawaii Right Now?
It really depends on which island you plan to visit and when your flight actually lands. Right now, state authorities and local officials are urging incoming tourists to exercise extreme caution. Relentless, heavy rains have brought severe Hawaii flooding to multiple areas, heavily impacting local infrastructure.
If your flight is scheduled to depart within the next 48 hours, you should seriously reconsider your travel dates. This is because Maui’s Kahului Airport is currently experiencing dozens of delays and flight cancellations, and Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is facing a similar situation. Airlines like Hawaiian, United, Southwest, and Delta almost always issue travel waivers during extreme weather events.
However, if your trip is still a week or two away, there’s no need to panic. Weather conditions can change rapidly. Give things a few days to settle down. Usually, the sun comes out again, the roads are cleared, and things return to normal faster than you might think.
Kona Storm Update
The current Kona storm Hawaii is packing a very serious punch. This wasn’t your typical tropical storm, but rather several days of torrential rain. Because volcanic soil becomes saturated so quickly, Hawaii flash flooding becomes a massive, immediate threat.
- Maui County recently issued several urgent civic alerts regarding major road closures. If you planned to drive the famous, twisting Road to Hana this week, forget it. Mudslides have completely blocked critical paths along the coast. Emergency public works crews are working around the clock just to clear the fallen trees and deep mud.
- Honolulu is not faring much better; urban areas face flooded intersections, making the drive to and from the international airport a total nightmare. If you must travel to the airport, double your estimated driving time.
- Power outages create another massive headache for visitors and locals alike. High winds tear through vulnerable power lines, leaving thousands of residents and resort guests in the dark. Sure, the major luxury resorts have backup generators, but they usually only power emergency lights and elevators.
Forecast Storm Path
If you are tracking this storm in Hawaii, here is the day-by-day breakdown you need to know.
- March 14 and 15: Parts of Kauai and Oahu were hit for the first time on Saturday and Sunday, and the storm stalled directly over the mountains.
- March 16: Stalled over Oahu and Maui, bringing heavy rain.
- March 17: The storm is finally beginning to move away from the northern tip of the state, but the weather remains overcast with strong winds and sporadic, unpredictable showers.
- March 18: Weather models indicate that the system will continue to move southward, eventually heading directly toward the Big Island. The band of heavy rain will shift southward, bringing the same risk of flash flooding to the largest island in the chain.
Throughout this entire timeline, you must stay informed. Always check the official National Weather Service updates. Do not rely on the standard weather app built into your smartphone.
How to Ensure Safety
If you are already on the island, following these rules will help ensure your safety.
Stay away from flooded roads: Driving through standing water is extremely dangerous. You cannot tell how deep the water is, nor can you tell if the road beneath has been completely washed away.
Sign up for local county emergency text alerts: Keep your phone charged so you can stay up to date with the latest news.
Stay away from the ocean: The water is currently filled with sharp debris, chemical runoff from the mountains, and potentially dangerous bacteria. Authorities have issued brown water warnings for nearly all public beaches. Moreover, the murky water attracts predators near the shore.
What Other Similar Islands Can I Visit?
If your Hawaiian vacation has already been disrupted by this storm, why not change your plans? You can easily find that same tropical, lush atmosphere elsewhere.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has always been one of my top recommendations; you don’t need a passport to experience its tropical charm. It also offers a unique Spanish flair and architecture, allowing you to immerse yourself in its distinctive culture, beautiful beaches, and tropical rainforests.
El Yunque National Forest offers spectacular waterfalls that rival anything you will find on the Road to Hana. Afterward, you can easily drive down to Rincon for a stunning sunset surf session. The local food scene in San Juan gives you the vibrant cultural energy you probably wanted in Honolulu.
St. Lucia
If you prefer a beach vacation away from the crowds, St. Lucia offers a unique experience. Located in the eastern Caribbean, this small island boasts spectacular volcanoes, rainforests, and beaches.
The iconic Piton mountains rise straight out of the crystal-clear ocean, looking almost identical to the famous Na Pali Coast. It serves as an absolute paradise for couples and honeymooners.
The Bahamas
Sometimes, all you want to do is lie back and relax on a pristine white-sand beach, do absolutely nothing, and completely unwind, in which case, why not consider the Bahamas?
Specifically, check out the Exumas. This chain of tiny, breathtaking islands offers some of the clearest, bluest water on the entire planet. You will not find massive volcanic mountains here, but you will find total peace and quiet. You can swim with friendly pigs, snorkel through vibrant coral reefs, or simply read a book on a private sandbar.
Bali
Bali has long been one of the most popular tropical destinations in Asia, offering lush landscapes, rich culture, and beautiful beaches. The island’s volcanic mountains, rice terraces, and Hindu temples create a distinctive atmosphere that feels both exotic and relaxing. You can easily spend your days exploring markets, enjoying beach sunsets, and experiencing traditional Balinese culture.
Inland, Ubud is surrounded by rainforest and famous terraced rice fields, making it a great base for nature walks and cultural experiences. If you’re looking for adventure, sunrise hikes up Mount Batur offer incredible panoramic views above the clouds. Along the coast, beach towns like Seminyak combine surfing, stylish beach clubs, and vibrant nightlife, capturing the island’s energetic vibe.
Phuket
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and one of Southeast Asia’s most accessible tropical getaways. Known for its turquoise waters, lively beach towns, and world-class island-hopping, Phuket offers the classic tropical experience, with plenty of activities, from relaxing on sandy beaches to exploring nearby dramatic limestone islands.
From Phuket, it’s easy to take boat trips to the stunning Phi Phi Islands, where towering limestone cliffs rise above bright blue water. Back on the island, historic streets in Phuket Old Town showcase colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture and a vibrant food scene. For sunset views and beachside energy, areas like Patong Beach offer a mix of nightlife, restaurants, and oceanfront scenery that make Phuket such a popular tropical destination.
FAQ
When is storm season in Hawaii?
The tropical storm season in Hawaii lasts from June through November. However, heavy rainfall events can also occur during the winter and early spring, particularly between October and April.
Is Hawaii in state of emergency?
Yes, Hawaii is currently under a state of emergency. This allows for the immediate release of critical state funds and resources. It enables the local National Guard to step in quickly to assist with water rescues, traffic control, or clearing fallen trees from highways.
Why is it called Kona storm?
It isn’t named this way because it only hits the specific town of Kailua-Kona. In the traditional Hawaiian language, the word “Kona” refers to the leeward or western-facing side of the islands.
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