El Niño in the Hawaiian Islands: What Does This Mean for Tourism?

First, there were the Kona Low storms in March, flooding parts of Oʻahu's West Side, North Shore and East Side, leaving thousands without power and triggering a brown water advisory from Mokulēʻia to Turtle Bay. On Hawaiʻi Island, Kaʻū and South Kona faced up to $59 million in total estimated damage from flooding.

Then there was the magnitude 6.0 earthquake — the strongest in Hawaiʻi since 2018 — on May 22, causing rockslides, power outages and residential damage to South Kona and the Hōnaunau-Nāpōʻopoʻo area of Hawaiʻi Island.

Then, in August, Hurricane Lala hit Hawaiʻi Island again, causing flash floods, downed trees and power lines, damaging approximately 690 homes and leaving thousands without electricity, affecting many residents still recovering from the Kona Low storms and earthquake.

In late August, Tropical Storm Moke once again brought more rain to an already suffering Kaʻū.

Then, Hurricane Lowell hit Kauaʻi in September, gutting homes, closing several resorts and tearing down half of Waimea Pier. The damage was catastrophic, leading officials to ask visitors to temporarily pause trips to the island. There are still areas of Kauaʻi's North Shore and the northwestern side that are closed, although Kauaʻi has already welcomed back visitors.

Then, in late September, Category 4 Hurricane Nolo again brought heavy rain and strong winds to Hawaiʻi Island and Maui. Luckily, the hurricane stayed to the south of the islands and never hit land.

On Sept. 23, Gov. Josh Green announced that damages from 2026 disasters so far total approximately $1 billion. Hawaiʻi hasn’t seen flooding like this in 20 years. Hurricane season ends Nov. 30, but the question is now: What will an El Niño winter bring?

This isn't to deter visitors from coming to Hawaiʻi. As I write this, I look out onto a blue sky with a high temperature expected in Honolulu today of 84 degrees. Between each storm, the weather falls back to baseline. We never know when a major storm will hit and if it will bring damage or not. As we saw with Hurricane Nolo, a Category 4 hurricane can take an unexpected turn at any time, missing the islands completely.

What's important to keep in mind as weather conditions continue to fluctuate is that safety must come first. This could mean missing a few beach days, having to move to higher ground for several hours or having to evacuate an area and change hotels.

Whatever the case, know that state and city authorities put advisories, warnings and alerts out that parks, hotels and businesses must comply with. I heard a story recently about a hotel general manager having to move all of his guests up several floors during the July 2025 tsunami warning. All staff had to stay on property and were not allowed to go home because of the risk of getting stuck on the street in transit and adding to the traffic on the roads. The warning lasted eight hours, and guests complained about not being able to leave the hotel. One couple came up to the general manager after the warning had been lifted and told him he had ruined their vacation.

For many, a trip to Hawaiʻi is a trip of a lifetime. Some save money for years for the opportunity to fly across the country to be here. The islands offer many things: an extraordinary culture, a relaxing pace and renowned hospitality. What it cannot promise, however, is perfect weather 365 days a year. It's always a gamble, and hotel management will always do their best to accommodate you, but they are not responsible for what happens to your vacation due to a disaster warning — this should be obvious.

Tips for Traveling to Hawai’i During Hurricane Season

1. Monitor weather & emergency alerts — Each county has its own notifications services. To receive text alerts on Hawaiʻi Island, text "HAWAIIALERTS" to 888777. For Oʻahu, text "HNLALERT" to 888777. For Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi, text "MAUIALERTS" to 38276. For Kauaʻi text "KAUAIEMA" to 888777.
2. Know the difference between “Watch” and “Warning” — Watch means conditions from a hurricane or tropical storm are possible within 48 hours. Warning means conditions are expected within 36 hours — take this seriously and follow instructions from local authorities.
3. Be ready to adjust your plans — Severe weather may require you to evacuate a particular area or even an island. You may have to move to higher ground, move hotels or move into an emergency shelter. Stay flexible and follow instructions from local authorities.
4. Find up-to-date information at the Visitor Aloha Society — Hawaiʻi Island | Kauaʻi | Maui, Molokaʻi & Lānaʻi | Oʻahu

How Hawaiʻi's hospitality industry has stepped in to help

Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa

The Kona resort opened more than 100 rooms to community members affected by the storms. Guests include residents from Kaʻū, Hawaiʻi Island who lacked hurricane insurance and families who arrived before the storm because of flooding concerns. The resort works with Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency to house people. Pāʻina by Ocean provides one hot meal a day with locally sourced ingredients, and the resort continues to support its own employees.

Outrigger Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa

Some first responders, on island for Hurricane Lowell, are still staying on property today. The resort set up emergency headquarters in its new ballrooms and took in overflow guests from hotels that could not accommodate them after flight cancellations. The resort's chef prepared 200 to 300 meals for guests and the resort is running a "keiki eat free" promotion.

Common Ground Kauaʻi

Common Ground Kauaʻi on the North Shore is fully open with power and water restored. The team aims to serve as a resiliency hub while keeping every employee on payroll. As soon as operations resumed, the team hosted two free community dinners. Now it offers heavily discounted dinners so neighbors can enjoy a night out, and it opens its campus to pop-ups from other local businesses working to get back on their feet. A portion of proceeds supports The Hanalei Initiative, Waipā Foundation, ʻĀina Ho’okupu o Kīlauea, Hui o Maka’āinana o Makana and Hawai’i Community Foundation. Ticket sales allow the team to keep buying from farms affected by the recent hurricanes.