Two powerful storms hit Hawaiʻi this March, bringing record rainfall, causing power outages, damage to roads and severe flooding to communities across the Islands. Some communities on Oʻahu’s North Shore were left nearly underwater. But residents quickly rallied together to support their neighbors and neighborhoods. The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services […]
*Editor’s Note on March 31, 2026: Many businesses in Haleʻiwa have reopened, welcoming respectful visitors. These local businesses could use the support. Parts of Waialua and Mokulēʻia are still recovering. Avoid areas that are still recovery zones, and please follow signage and guidance by officials. Remember to show respect and compassion for what these residents
The Honolulu Ocean Safety Department urges Oʻahu residents and visitors to stay out of the ocean following recent rains from the Kona low. The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) has issued a brown water advisory for Oʻahu. The DOH recommends avoiding ocean water for at least 72 hours after the last rainfall. Even beyond that timeframe, the public should continue to
Following a powerful kona storm that caused severe flooding and damage across Hawaiʻi last weekend, another kona low is developing, bringing a new round of heavy rains. The National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch for all of Hawaiʻi from 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, through 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 22. The developing low is expected to be weaker and hit leeward areas. However, the
A powerful kona low battered the Hawaiian Islands last week, unleashing torrential rain that caused widespread flooding, landslides, sinkholes, road closures and downed power lines. Governor Josh Green declared a State of Emergency in Hawaiʻi. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) explains that a kona low, or kona storm, typically forms during the winter months. The system is a type of
The Kīlauea summit area in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is temporarily closed due to dangerous amounts of tephra falling. Highway 11 is closed between mile markers 24 and 40 due to dangerous road conditions. Kīlauea began erupting again at 9:17 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10. Lava fountains reached as high as 1,300 feet, producing large amounts of volcanic rock, ash and glass particles. Light
On Jan. 1, 2026, Hawaiʻi increased the statewide transient accommodations tax, or TAT, from 10.25% to 11%, with each county allowed to impose a surcharge of up to 3%. Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green signed off on the increase in May 2025; the initiative establishes what state officials call the nation’s first climate impact fee, referred
*This story was originally published on Dec. 12, 20218, and updated in December 2025. Who says there’s no winter in Hawaiʻi? Here are 12 ways to enjoy the winter season across the Islands. 1. See Sand-ta Claus at Sheraton Waikiki View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sheraton Waikiki Beach
Five years after closing his award-winning restaurant—which had been a HAWAIʻI Magazine reader favorite—local chef Alan Wong is moving to Kāhala. The Kāhala Hotel & Resort, to be exact. The James Beard Award-winning chef and pioneer of the Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine movement will open Alan Wong’s at the luxe hotel in early 2026. The restaurant
The first confirmed humpback whale sighting of the 2025-2026 season was off the coast of Kauaʻi on Oct. 14, 2025. Holoholo Charters recorded the sighting at 7 a.m. Captain Kekoa and his crew aboard the vessel Holoholo spotted the whale along the island’s western coast while en route to Niʻihau for a tour. The
The first time I learned about the Alakoko Fishpond on Kaua‘i was back in 2012, when I hopped on a stand-up paddleboard on the Hulē‘ia River and glided right past it. Back then it was referred to as the Menehune Fishpond, named after the legendary craftsmen who worked at night, building heiau (temples) and fishponds.
