For decades, people in Hawaii said that hurricanes hardly ever come. The islands sit in a vast ocean, and the high mountains of the Big Island and the cool water to the north break up most storms before they arrive. Then came 2026: three hurricanes in six weeks, and Kauaʻi's worst storm in 34 years. Here is what hurricane season really means for a trip to Hawaii, and what to do if a storm comes.
When is hurricane season?
The central Pacific hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November. Most of the storms that affect Hawaii form far to the east, off Mexico, and travel west on the trade winds. The busiest months are August and September, when the ocean is warmest. Storms in June or November are rare.
Hurricane season overlaps with Hawaii's dry season, Kau, when days are long, sunny and calm. Outside the occasional storm, it is a lovely time to visit: see Hawaii in August and Hawaii in September.
How often hurricanes hit Hawaii
In an average year about four or five tropical cyclones form in the central Pacific, and in some years, such as 2015, many more. Most pass well south of the islands or fall apart over cooler water. Direct landfalls are rare: before 2026, only a handful of hurricanes had made landfall in the state's recorded history, notably Dot on Kauaʻi in 1959 and Iniki in 1992.
A storm does not need to make landfall to cause damage, though. Passing hurricanes can bring flooding rain, high winds, power cuts and big, dangerous surf, often to just one island or one coast. El Niño years, when the eastern Pacific is warmer than usual, tend to bring more storms closer to Hawaii.
The 2026 season
2026 was an El Niño year, and it showed what that can mean:
- March: a historic Kona low brought days of heavy rain and flooding.
- 15 August, Hurricane Lala: a Category 1 storm skirted the southern tip of the Big Island, causing flooding, roof damage and power cuts to tens of thousands of homes. One person died in a car accident near South Point.
- Tropical Storm Moke followed later in the season.
- 8 September, Hurricane Lowell: after peaking at Category 5, the first in the central Pacific since 2018, Lowell passed west of Kauaʻi as a Category 2. Up to 21 inches of rain fell, more than 90% of Kauaʻi lost power, at least three people died in the state, and damage passed $400 million.
- Late September, Hurricane Nolo: passed about 150 miles from the Big Island, with up to 17 inches of rain on high slopes and gusts of 60–88 mph on the Big Island, Maui and Oʻahu.
By late October all islands were open to visitors, with Kauaʻi still recovering. See is it safe to travel to Hawaii right now for the latest.
Hawaii's historic hurricanes
| Storm | Year | What happened |
|---|---|---|
| Dot | 1959 | Category 1 landfall on Kauaʻi, weeks before statehood |
| ʻIwa | 1982 | Passed close to Kauaʻi and Niʻihau; heavy damage |
| Iniki | 1992 | Category 4 landfall on Kauaʻi; six deaths, about $3.1 billion damage |
| Iselle | 2014 | Tropical storm landfall on the Big Island |
| Lane | 2018 | Category 5 that weakened offshore; over 52 inches of rain on the Big Island |
| Dora | 2023 | Passed far south, but its winds fanned the Maui wildfires, including Lahaina |
| Lowell | 2026 | Category 2 passing west of Kauaʻi; worst damage since Iniki |
Iniki, which struck Kauaʻi on 11 September 1992, remains the benchmark. It destroyed or damaged thousands of homes, and it famously interrupted the filming of Jurassic Park on the island. It also led many insurers to stop covering hurricane damage in standard home policies.
Should you travel during hurricane season?
For most people, yes. The odds that a hurricane affects any particular week of your holiday are low, even in a busy year, and summer and early autumn offer warm water, calm north shores and lower prices from mid-August. A few sensible steps reduce the risk:
- Buy travel insurance before a storm is named; policies usually do not cover a storm that already exists when you buy.
- Book flexible rates for flights and hotels when you can.
- Consider the timing: if you are anxious, June, early July and November carry the lowest risk.
- Choose your island knowing that storms often affect one island or one coast far more than others.
If a storm threatens your trip
Forecasts give several days' warning. If the Central Pacific Hurricane Center issues a hurricane watch (conditions possible within 48 hours) or warning (expected within 36 hours) for your island:
- Follow the official alerts from the National Weather Service and county emergency agencies, and your hotel's instructions.
- Stock up early on drinking water, food that needs no cooking, cash, medicines and torch batteries for several days.
- Charge phones and power banks; power cuts can last days.
- Contact your airline: airports may close, and flights often fill up before a storm.
- Stay away from the shore and streams during and after the storm: surge, surf and flash floods are the main killers.
- Expect parks, trails and beaches to stay closed for days afterwards, and be patient with local people recovering from the storm.
Hawaii's residents have lived with these storms for generations. Respect the warnings, travel with flexibility, and a hurricane season trip can still be a very good one.
Quick answers
When is hurricane season in Hawaii?
Officially from 1 June to 30 November. Most storms that affect Hawaii arrive between July and September, with August and September the peak months.
How often do hurricanes hit Hawaii?
Direct hits are rare. About four or five tropical cyclones form in the central Pacific in an average year, and most pass far from the islands. Before 2026, the last major hurricane to hit was Iniki on Kauaʻi in 1992.
Was 2026 a bad hurricane season in Hawaii?
Yes. During an El Niño year, Hurricane Lala skirted the Big Island in August, Hurricane Lowell caused severe damage on Kauaʻi in September, and Hurricane Nolo brought heavy rain and wind to the Big Island and Maui.
Should I avoid Hawaii during hurricane season?
No. The chance of a storm affecting a given week is small, and summer and early autumn are otherwise excellent times to visit. Buy travel insurance and stay flexible.
What happens if a hurricane threatens Hawaii during my trip?
Follow official alerts and your hotel's instructions. Expect airport, park and beach closures for a few days. Have water, food, cash and medicines for several days and keep your phone charged.
More planning guides: passports and entry, do you need a car?, island hopping, packing list, packing for kids, is it safe right now? and hurricane season.
Facts checked October 2026. Rules, fares and closures change, so confirm with the official source before you travel.
- NOAA Central Pacific Hurricane Center
- List of Hawaii hurricanes
- ABC7: Hurricane Lala skirts the Big Island (August 2026)
- Hurricane Lowell (2026): track and impacts
- The Weather Channel: Hurricane Nolo slammed Hawaii with wind, waves and rain
- Direct Relief: Kauaʻi slammed by Hurricane Lowell
- Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency: get ready
- Go Hawaii: Hurricane Lowell visitor updates
