Hawaii Tropical System Likely: What Travelers Should Know

A tropical disturbance moving across the Central Pacific could bring increasing weather and ocean impacts to Hawaii later this week. The system is expected to become better organized, but its eventual track and strength remain uncertain. 

The Potential Timeline

MON–TUE | Watching the Tropics
The system remains well offshore. Limited direct impacts expected.

WED | Rain Chances Increase
Increasing tropical moisture could bring more clouds and showers to the islands.

THU | More Showers & Rain
Rain chances continue to rise, with locally heavier rainfall possible.

FRI | Swells & Surf Build
Larger waves and increasing ocean swells become a bigger concern, particularly for beaches and marine activities.

WEEKEND | Greatest Potential for Impacts
Large swells, rough surf, heavier rain and gusty winds are possible. The exact impacts depend heavily on the system’s track and intensity. 

Traveling to Hawaii?

Don’t cancel your trip based on the current forecast—but be flexible.

• Check the forecast before leaving and again each day.
• Have a backup plan for outdoor activities.
• If you have a boat, snorkeling, surfing or other ocean excursion planned, watch marine forecasts closely.
• Expect possible changes or cancellations to ocean activities if swells increase.
• Allow extra time for travel if heavy rain develops.
• Do not rely on today’s forecast for the weekend. The system is still several days away and the forecast will evolve.

Bottom line: The first noticeable impact may be increasing rain around midweek, followed by building swells and rougher ocean conditions late week. A direct tropical-storm impact on Hawaii is not certain at this time.