Alerts

Kona Low Recovery Update

March 27, 2026

2:40 p.m.

Conditions continue to improve across Hawaiʻi, with most visitor services operating and most areas and attractions are either reopened or reopening.

Visitors should continue to check official county and state resources and confirm directly with activity providers before traveling to areas where conditions may still be changing.

On Oʻahu, visitors and tour operators should avoid Waialua and Mokulēʻia, where flooding impacts have been most significant. 

Brown Water Advisories are in effect for the islands of O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, Maui, and parts of Hawai‘i Island. A brown water advisory means nearshore ocean water may be contaminated after heavy rain, when runoff carries soil, debris, bacteria and other pollutants from land into the ocean. Because it would not be possible to post brown water advisories at every physical point of ocean entry affected, be sure to check conditions at https://eha-cloud.doh.hawaii.gov/cwb/#!/event/list.

State parks can be affected in various ways depending on their location, topography, and severity of the storm. For the latest information on what state parks are open and which are closed for repairs, check the red announcer banner at the top of the Department of Land and Natural Resources' State Parks website: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/.

Here are additional talking points and resources to share with visitors about beach safety and planning for their return home.

Beaches and swimming

  • A beach may look clear and sunny, but hidden hazards can remain after a storm, including polluted runoff, strong currents, rough shore breaks and debris in the water.
  • Beach warnings and closures are issued for safety, even when the weather appears nice. Never swim at closed beaches.
  • Before heading out to the beach, check wind, surf and water hazards at com/state/hawaii.
  • Check in with lifeguards or ocean safety personnel when you arrive at the beach to get the latest information about ocean conditions and potential hazards in the area.

 

Departing from Hawai‘i’s Airports

  • All Hawai‘i airports are operating normally. Delays and cancellations are possible. The airlines are the best source of information about flight changes, so travelers should stay connected and keep their contact information up to date with the airline.
  • If you did not book directly with the airline, log in to the airline's website or app to confirm it has your current mobile number.
  • Download your airline's mobile app and enable alerts. If your airline offers SMS notifications, sign up for those, too.
  • Check your flight status before going to the airport. If your flight is delayed or canceled, it may be easier to request an extension or revised check-out time while you are still at your hotel or accommodation.
  • Leave early for the airport. Allow extra time for weather-related delays, check-in, and security screening — at least three hours for transpacific flights and 90 minutes for interisland flights.
  • To check estimated security wait times and FAA delays, travelers can download the MyTSA app or visit gov/mobile.

Resources