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Hawaii’s hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with August and September being the most active months. Direct hits on the islands are rare — Hawaii’s last major landfall was Hurricane Iniki on Kaua’i in 1992 — but tropical storms, near misses, and the heavy rain and surf that come with them happen most years. If you live in Hawaii or are planning a trip in late summer, here’s what to expect and how to prepare.
For broader context on the islands’ natural hazards beyond hurricanes, see our guide to Hawaii’s natural disasters.
When Is Hawaii’s Hurricane Season?
The Central Pacific hurricane season officially runs June 1 to November 30. Most named storms in any given year form in the Eastern Pacific (off Mexico and Central America) and either dissipate or curve north before reaching Hawaii. Some, however, track west into the Central Pacific basin and either pass close to or directly threaten the islands.
- June–July: Season opens. Storms are possible but uncommon. Ocean temperatures climbing.
- August: Activity peaks. The warmest sea-surface temperatures of the year fuel storm formation. Most close calls happen this month.
- September: Still highly active. Historically the month most likely to produce a Hawaii-impacting system.
- October: Activity tapers. Late-season storms tend to be steered more by jet-stream patterns and often miss the islands.
- November: Final weeks of the season. Direct threats are rare.
Outside these months, tropical cyclones are extremely uncommon in Hawaii. A pre-season storm in late May or post-season activity in December has happened but is the exception.
The 2026 Hurricane Season Outlook
For 2026, NOAA’s Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecasts an above-normal season, putting the odds at 70% for above-normal activity, 20% for near-normal, and 10% for below-normal. The outlook calls for 5 to 13 tropical cyclones across the Central Pacific basin — above the near-normal average of 4 to 5. The main driver is El Niño, expected to persist at moderate or stronger strength through the season. El Niño years reliably push more storm activity into Hawaii’s waters by weakening the wind shear and warming the sea-surface temperatures that tropical systems feed on.
An above-normal forecast describes the number of storms expected in the basin — not where, when, or whether any will reach land. Landfall depends on short-term steering patterns that no seasonal outlook can predict. The practical takeaway for residents and travelers is to treat 2026 as a year to have a plan and supplies ready early in the season rather than one to improvise later. NOAA refreshes the Central Pacific outlook before each season and issues real-time advisories through the Central Pacific Hurricane Center once storms form.
2026 season update (September 21 — former TD15-E tracking westward, development likely): No tropical cyclones are active in the Central Pacific as of September 21. The remnants of former Tropical Depression Fifteen-E continue drifting westward at 10–15 mph east-southeast of the Hawaiian Islands, and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center now gives this system a 70% seven-day development chance — up from 20% in the September 17 update. Environmental conditions are expected to become increasingly favorable mid-to-late week; if a tropical cyclone forms, it would do so south or southeast of Hawaii. Tropical Storms Odalys and Polo remain active in the Eastern Pacific, more than 1,000 miles to the east, and are not currently tracking toward Hawaii. No watches or warnings are in effect for Hawaii. Monitor the Central Pacific Hurricane Center for six-hourly updates.
2026 season update (September 17 — quiet period, two systems monitored): No tropical cyclones are active in the Central Pacific as of September 17. The remnants of former Tropical Depression Fifteen-E are drifting west-northwest east-southeast of the islands with only a 10% development chance over 48 hours and 20% over seven days — no near-term threat to Hawaii. More worth watching: an organizing tropical wave south-southwest of Baja California currently carries an 80% seven-day development probability and is tracking westward at 10–15 mph; if it develops, any resulting storm would take roughly 7–10 days to enter the Central Pacific basin. No watches or warnings are in effect for Hawaii. The season remains open through November 30; track updates every six hours from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.
2026 season update (September 8 — passing, all watches/warnings cleared): Hurricane Lowell has passed the main Hawaiian Islands. As of Advisory 51 (11:00 AM HST, September 8), Lowell’s center is at 25.1°N, 160.8°W — approximately 230 miles north-northwest of Līhu‘e — and the storm has weakened from its 140 mph Category 4 peak to 75 mph (Category 1). All coastal watches and warnings have been lifted for Hawaii. Lowell is moving north at 15 mph and is expected to turn northwest then west, carrying it away from the island chain over the next 24–48 hours. Residual hazards remain: Kaua‘i should expect 1–3 additional inches of rain (storm totals may reach 24 inches), the Big Island faces 3–6 more inches with significant flash flooding and mudslides possible in vulnerable areas, and life-threatening surf and rip currents will persist across the islands for several more days. For recovery resources and current surf forecasts, see the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.
2026 season update (September 6 — active alert): Hurricane Lowell has turned toward the Hawaiian Islands and a Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for Kauai County (Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau). A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (Nihoa to French Frigate Shoals). As of the 5:00 AM HST advisory (September 6), Lowell has weakened slightly to a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph and a central pressure of 943 mb. The center is at 14.7°N, 163.8°W — approximately 580 miles southwest of Līhu‘e — and moving north-northwest at 6 mph. The forecast track carries Lowell just west of the main Hawaiian Islands overnight Monday (September 7–8). Expected impacts for the main islands: Kaua‘i: 6–10 inches of rain (up to 14 inches possible), 1–3 feet of storm surge; Big Island: 4–8 inches (up to 12 inches isolated); Maui: 2–4 inches; O‘ahu: 2–4 inches, up to 1 foot of storm surge. Life-threatening surf and flash flooding are possible across the island chain. Kaua‘i residents should follow guidance from Kaua‘i Emergency Management and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. The National Hurricane Center and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center issue track updates every six hours.
2026 season update (September 3): Hurricane Lowell has strengthened to a Major Hurricane (Category 4) with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph and a central pressure of 945 mb. As of the latest NHC advisory (September 3), Lowell is positioned at 13.6°N, 158.1°W — approximately 460 miles south-southwest of Hilo — and moving west at 10 mph. The National Hurricane Center advises that “interests in the Hawaiian Islands should monitor the progress of Lowell” and forecasts the storm to remain a major hurricane for the next several days. No coastal watches or warnings are currently in effect for Hawaii. Lowell’s westward track is carrying it progressively away from the main Hawaiian Islands. The National Hurricane Center and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center issue track updates every six hours. Hurricane Lala and Tropical Depression Moke, which combined for the most active two-week stretch of the season between August 14 and 25, have both dissipated.
Hurricane Lala (August 14–16, recap): Lala tracked past the Big Island’s southeast coast as a Category 1 hurricane and delivered the season’s most significant impact to date. Laupahoehoe recorded 43.54 inches of rain between August 14 and 16, with more than 31 inches falling in a single 24-hour period. Flash flooding at Naalehu swept two homes off their foundations, roughly 100 homes across the southern Big Island were damaged or destroyed, and power outages peaked above 220,000 customers statewide. Lala subsequently moved northwest and dissipated over the far northwestern Pacific.
What to watch for the rest of the 2026 season: Hurricane Lowell has passed Hawaii (September 8 update). Lowell tracked just west of the main island chain and weakened from Category 4 (140 mph) to Category 1 (75 mph) before clearing the islands — a better outcome than the worst-case forecast. Kaua‘i and the Big Island still face residual heavy rain and dangerous surf over the coming days. The Central Pacific hurricane season remains open until November 30, and an above-normal season was forecast for 2026 — Lowell and Lala may not be the last systems to form. Track forecasts update every six hours via NOAA’s National Hurricane Center and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.
Why Hawaii Rarely Gets Direct Hits
Hawaii sits in a fortunate geographic position. Several factors usually weaken or steer hurricanes away before landfall:
- Cooler waters to the north and west. Sea-surface temperatures around the islands typically sit at the lower bound of what hurricanes need (80°F / 26.5°C). Storms approaching from the south often run into cooler water and weaken.
- Vertical wind shear. Mid-latitude westerlies frequently disrupt the vertical structure of approaching storms.
- Mountain shielding. Hawaii’s volcanic peaks — Mauna Loa, Haleakalā, and others — disrupt low-level circulation in storms that brush close.
- Trade-wind steering. Easterly trade winds tend to push storms past the islands to the south, especially during years with strong subtropical highs.
The result: in over 70 years of reliable records, only three hurricanes have made direct landfall on a populated Hawaiian island — Hurricane Hiki near Kaua’i in 1950, Hurricane Dot on Kaua’i in 1959, and Hurricane Iniki on Kaua’i in 1992. All three hit Kaua’i, which is the westernmost of the major islands and most exposed.
Hawaii’s Most Significant Hurricanes
Hurricane Iniki (September 1992)
The most destructive natural disaster in Hawaii’s history. Iniki made landfall on Kaua’i as a Category 4 storm with sustained winds near 145 mph. Six people died, hundreds were injured, and about 14,000 homes were damaged or destroyed. Total damage exceeded $3 billion in 1992 dollars. The island’s tourism economy took years to recover.
Hurricane Iwa (November 1982)
A late-season storm that passed close enough to Kaua’i, Ni’ihau, and O’ahu to cause Category 1 wind damage on Kaua’i, plus heavy rain and surf across the chain. Damages were estimated near $250 million.
Hurricane Lane (August 2018)
Lane came within roughly 200 miles of the Big Island as a major hurricane and dropped over 50 inches of rain on the Big Island’s east-facing slopes — the second-highest tropical cyclone rainfall total ever recorded in the US. Flooding, landslides, and a fire on Maui (linked to dry conditions and high winds) caused hundreds of millions in damages despite no direct landfall.
Hurricane Olivia (September 2018)
Olivia weakened to a tropical storm before crossing directly over Maui — the first tropical cyclone of any kind to make landfall on Maui or Lana’i since records began. Damage was moderate.
Hurricane Douglas (July 2020)
Came within 30 miles of O’ahu as a Category 1 hurricane before turning north. Honolulu got brushed by tropical-storm-force winds and heavy surf; direct damage was limited.
Hurricane Preparedness for Residents
Living in Hawaii means keeping a hurricane plan on the shelf even though most years pass without incident. The State of Hawai’i Department of Emergency Management recommends a 14-day supply of essentials — longer than the typical 3–7-day mainland guidance — because Hawaii’s isolation means restocking after a major event takes longer. If you’re relocating, our in-depth guide to hurricane season in Hawaii for new residents walks through island-by-island risk, evacuation and shelter planning, and the annual cost of staying prepared.
Essentials Kit
- Water: 1 gallon per person per day, 14 days. (A family of four = 56 gallons.)
- Non-perishable food: 14-day supply of canned goods, rice, dry goods, baby formula and pet food as applicable.
- Cash: ATMs and card readers may not work for days after a major storm.
- Battery or hand-crank radio: NOAA Weather Radio is the most reliable source during an event.
- First aid kit + 14-day medication supply.
- Flashlights + extra batteries.
- Backup phone chargers — solar or battery pack.
- Important documents in a waterproof container: IDs, insurance papers, medical records.
- Full tank of gas when a storm is in the forecast. Stations run out fast.
Home Preparation
- Know whether your home is in a tsunami evacuation zone, a flood zone, or a hurricane evacuation zone. The state’s HI-EMA website has maps.
- Keep palm fronds, dead branches, and loose yard items trimmed and stowed before each season.
- If you own, consider impact-rated windows or fitted plywood pre-cut for each opening.
- Renters: check whether your lease addresses hurricane preparation responsibilities. Many landlords expect tenants to handle minor protective measures.
- Confirm your homeowners or renters insurance includes hurricane and flood coverage — they’re usually separate riders.
Insurance
Standard homeowners policies in Hawaii do not cover hurricane wind damage; you need a separate hurricane policy, typically through the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund or a private carrier. Flood damage requires NFIP coverage. Both have 30-day waiting periods, so adding coverage after a storm has formed is too late. The annual cost varies widely by island, neighborhood, and building structure.
Traveling to Hawaii During Hurricane Season
For visitors, hurricane season overlaps with summer vacation, so a lot of travel happens during the active months. The practical risks:
- Flight disruption. A near-miss storm can ground flights for 24–72 hours. Outbound delays cascade for a week as airlines reposition aircraft.
- Beach and ocean conditions. Tropical systems generate heavy surf and rip currents days before the storm itself arrives.
- Heavy rain even without a direct hit. Hurricane Lane’s 50+ inches on the Big Island fell during a near-miss.
- Tourist activities cancelled. Snorkel tours, helicopter rides, and volcano tours pause during weather watches.
Trip insurance with “cancel for any reason” coverage is a sensible add-on for August–October trips. Standard travel insurance often excludes named storms once they form, so buy it well before departure if you’re traveling in peak season. For broader timing tradeoffs, see our guide to the best month to visit Hawaii.
How to Track Hawaii Hurricanes
Three free, official sources are worth bookmarking:
- Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) — the NOAA office responsible for Hawaii’s hurricane forecasts. cphc.weather.gov
- National Hurricane Center (NHC) — covers storms in the Eastern Pacific that may cross into Hawaii’s basin. nhc.noaa.gov
- NOAA Weather Radio — battery-powered radios tuned to NOAA frequencies broadcast alerts even when power and cell service are out.
The state’s HI-EMA system (Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency) sends wireless emergency alerts to all mobile phones in affected areas. Don’t disable these.
What to Do During a Hurricane Warning
- Fill the bathtub with water for sanitation and washing.
- Charge all phones, laptops, and battery packs.
- Move outdoor furniture, planters, and decorations inside.
- Park your car in a covered area or away from trees and the coastline.
- Stay indoors in an interior room away from windows during the storm.
- Don’t go outside during the eye — the second half of the storm is often worse.
- After the storm: watch for downed power lines, flooded roads, and contaminated water. Do not drive through standing water.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the last hurricane to hit Hawaii?
The last hurricane to make landfall on a populated Hawaiian island was Hurricane Iniki on Kaua’i in September 1992. Several tropical storms have made landfall since, including Olivia on Maui in 2018.
Which Hawaiian island gets the most hurricanes?
Kaua’i is statistically the most exposed, lying westernmost and farthest from Hawaii’s mountain shielding. All three confirmed direct hurricane landfalls (1950, 1959, 1992) struck Kaua’i.
Is it safe to travel to Hawaii during hurricane season?
Generally yes — direct hits are rare and a typical trip is unaffected. The bigger practical risk is flight disruption or beach closures from near-miss storms in August or September. Trip insurance is recommended for late-summer travel.
How much warning do you get before a hurricane in Hawaii?
Hurricane watches are typically issued 48 hours before tropical-storm-force winds arrive; warnings come 36 hours out. Modern forecasting gives most threats 5–7 days of lead time, though storm tracks can shift.
Do you need hurricane insurance to live in Hawaii?
It’s not legally required, but mortgage lenders typically require it for any home in Hawaii. Renters insurance does not include hurricane wind damage by default — confirm with your provider and add coverage if needed.
How does El Niño affect Hawaii’s hurricane season?
El Niño years tend to produce more named storms in the Central Pacific basin, and several of Hawaii’s most active hurricane seasons have coincided with El Niño conditions. La Niña years tend to be quieter.
What’s the difference between a tropical storm and a hurricane?
A tropical storm has sustained winds of 39–73 mph. A hurricane has sustained winds of 74 mph or more. Once a hurricane reaches 111 mph it becomes a “major hurricane” (Category 3 or higher).
Practical Bottom Line
Hawaii’s hurricane season is real but the islands’ geography keeps the actual landfall rate low. Treat the 14-day kit and a hurricane insurance rider as the cost of living here; treat the August–September window as a time to keep a closer eye on the forecast if you’re a visitor. Most years pass without incident — but the years that don’t are remembered for a generation.
For more on Hawaii’s weather patterns through the year, see our guides to Hawaii’s rainy season, the best month to visit Hawaii, and Hawaii weather basics.
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