Last Updated: August 19, 2026

Hawaiʻi is now monitoring another developing tropical system, currently designated Invest 90E, east-southeast of the islands.

This is a different system from Lala.

The National Hurricane Center currently gives Invest 90E a 90% chance of developing into a tropical depression or tropical storm within both the next 48 hours and the next 7 days.

At this point, formation appears likely. What remains much less certain is exactly how strong the system will become and how close it will pass to Hawaiʻi.

What We Know Right Now

Invest 90E is moving generally westward toward the Central Pacific and is expected to organize further over the next day or so.

Current guidance generally brings the developing system toward the vicinity of Hawaiʻi this weekend.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu says forecast ensembles currently show a general preference for a track similar to Lala or possibly somewhat farther south, but emphasizes that it is still too early to forecast an exact path.

That uncertainty is important.

A relatively small shift in track could make a significant difference in rainfall, wind, surf and flooding impacts on individual islands.

When Could Hawaiʻi Be Affected?

The earliest fringe effects could begin reaching the Big Island on Saturday, with the more significant period currently looking like Sunday into Monday.

The Big Island would likely encounter effects first because the system is approaching from the east-southeast.

Maui County, Oʻahu and Kauaʻi could potentially see impacts afterward depending on the eventual track and size of the storm.

It is too early to say that any particular island will or will not experience significant impacts.

The Biggest Concern Right Now: Rain

Even if the center of the eventual storm remains south of Hawaiʻi, tropical moisture associated with the system could still move across portions of the state.

The National Weather Service has already increased precipitation chances for Sunday and Monday because of the developing system.

Potential impacts include:

• Heavy tropical rainfall
• Flash flooding
• Landslides and rockfalls
• Strong or gusty winds
• Dangerous surf
• Rough ocean conditions
• Coastal flooding
• Additional power outages

This is especially worth watching because some areas are still recovering from Lala, including infrastructure and power systems.

No Tropical Watches or Warnings Yet

As of this update, the National Weather Service Honolulu has no tropical watches or warnings in effect for Hawaiʻi.

That is completely normal at this stage.

The system has not yet developed into a tropical cyclone, and forecast uncertainty remains high.

If development continues as expected, official tropical cyclone advisories and a forecast cone should become available once the system becomes a tropical depression or tropical storm.

Those forecasts will give us considerably better information than individual model runs currently circulating online.

If You Are Traveling This Weekend

If you are arriving, departing or traveling between islands Saturday through Monday, this is now something you should monitor closely.

However, this is not currently a reason by itself to cancel a Hawaiʻi trip.

There is still significant uncertainty regarding the storm's eventual track, intensity and impacts.

Travelers should:

• Monitor the National Hurricane Center / Central Pacific Hurricane Center.
• Check National Weather Service Honolulu forecasts.
• Watch airline notifications.
• Check directly with hotels and vacation rentals.
• Keep an eye on tours and ocean activities, which may cancel earlier than flights or hotels.
• Avoid making decisions based on a single weather model or social-media forecast.

Forecast confidence should improve significantly once Invest 90E develops a defined circulation and official tropical cyclone advisories begin.

A Note About Forecast Models

You may see model graphics over the next few days showing everything from a hurricane approaching Hawaiʻi to a storm passing safely south of the islands.

Do not treat individual model runs as forecasts.

The National Weather Service specifically notes that while models presently show some agreement on a track resembling Lala or somewhat farther south, it is still too early to determine the exact path.

We will put much more weight on the official NHC/CPHC forecast once the storm forms.

ALL INVEST 90E QUESTIONS GO IN THIS THREAD

Please continue using this megathread for questions including:

• "Should I cancel my trip?"
• "Will Maui be affected?"
• "I'm flying Sunday. Should I change my flight?"
• "Will the Road to Hana be open?"
• "Will my snorkeling tour operate?"
• "Will Waikīkī get hit?"
• "Should we leave early?"
• "What island will have the best weather?"

Separate posts about Invest 90E and its potential effect on individual vacations will be removed.

Please also do not take visitor-specific travel questions to r/Hawaii. Use this thread instead.

Current Bottom Line

Invest 90E is now a legitimate system to watch.

Development into a tropical depression or tropical storm is considered highly likely.

There is a realistic possibility of impacts in Hawaiʻi beginning this weekend, particularly Saturday through Monday, but the severity and exact location of those impacts remain uncertain.

For now:

Monitor, prepare for possible travel disruptions, but don't panic or make decisions based on speculative model runs.

We will update this thread again as soon as the system develops and the National Hurricane Center begins issuing official track and intensity forecasts.

We're a family of four all adults. Parents and then kids in mid 20s. This started because I wanted to give my parents a gift. But now I wanna see how to squeeze my sibling and I into it. This trip would be for October this year. Starting in the first week of October. They are going on a cruise in Alaska (the gift) but it's only for 7 days and wanted them to have something more

We probably are not gonna get a chance to do something like this again mostly due to finances so I'm trying to squeeze what I can from this. To do that I wanted to visit two islands over a 10 to 12 day period. Leaning towards BI and Kauai. BI I think should be the sure one but I don't know about Kauai

You can't really use this sub to gauge which is better between Kauai and Oahu. It seems there really isn't a consensus. To help you help me let me just say what kind of people we are. So we probably won't be doing much swimming in the sea. I can't swim and neither can my mum. We would all want to try a variety of food. We would want lots of varying experiences. From what I read about manta rays we won't be in deep waters right? I would like to see a volcano. I don't know about the hiking world but I did do the colosseum and the palantine hill in one day and didn't die. My parents would be on that same similar level of fitness. My parents and I did do a day at a natural reserve in Nigeria(where they live) which involved going on the 401 metre long, 70 feet above ground suspended bridge through the forest. We really enjoyed it. We would want to be wowed by the stars. I don't see the point of being at the beach all day unless I'm eating from every food truck but the beach for half a day won't be too bad.

If I seem all over the place forgive me but vacations are not something we're able to do often to figure out what our tastes are. Which is why varying experiences would be best. I don't really know what Hawaii offers I'm just getting into research but I'm pressed for time

I'm not sure which 2nd island to pick between Oahu and Kauai. Depending on which person is talking Oahu or Kauai is the best thing ever. Or should we stick to just visiting BI instead for all 10 days?

Thank you.

Hey everyone! My girlfriend and I will be visiting Oahu from September 21 through December 27, and we’re really excited to make Hawaii our next adventure!

This trip is especially meaningful for me because Hawaii will be my 50th and final state, after visiting every other state across several trips. We’ve also been lucky enough to travel to 25+ countries together and really love exploring new places and meeting new people.

We’re currently looking for a place to stay with double occupancy for under $1,200/month, with roommates of course. We’re really not picky about where we stay as long as we’re within about 30 minutes of Waikiki. We saw Kailua as an option, but we’re open to pretty much anything!

We’re also trying to figure out a car. We’d be open to renting from someone, a friend/friend-of-a-friend, or even buying a cheap car and selling it before we leave.

We’re really just here to ask for any help, advice, recommendations, or leads anyone might have. We’d really appreciate it and can’t wait to meet some of you and start this adventure! 🤙

Wanted to share this in case it saves someone else's trip plans. My wife and I built a whole afternoon of our honeymoon around a wedding band-making session at Sip and Smith — booked it about six weeks out with an employee named Kelsey, and arranged our transportation and other plans around that time slot.

After we landed in Hawaii, the session got canceled on us. We asked for a refund and were flatly refused.

Once it happened, I went looking online and found other travelers describing basically the same experience — book, get canceled on close to the date, no refund. If you're planning a trip around a specific activity like this, it's worth knowing that timing and logistics can fall apart if the business cancels on you last minute, and you may not get your money back even though you're out the cost of the activity and whatever you arranged around it.

We've filed a bank dispute and complaints with the BBB and Hawaii's consumer protection office. If anyone has had a similar run-in with them (or has tips on activities that actually deliver on wedding-related experiences), would love to hear it.

Hi all! Going to the big island in about a month and have been doing a lot of research and planning. We were planning on going to Mauna Kea to just the visitors center for sunset and star gazing. It eats up more than half a day and I am seeing some people say that it’s one of the most amazing experiences and then some people saying that you can stargaze and see the sunset basically anywhere on the island and it’s almost as good.

Looking for more opinions if it’s worth 3 hours of driving round trip from Kona and then the ~ 1.5-2 hours of sunset & waiting for it to get dark.

Not interested in a tour as they seem to have a lot of extras included that we’re not interested in. Also going to the top doesn’t seem to be worth the hassle and all the extra time

I do like star gazing and a beautiful sunset as much as any other person but just want some feedback if it’s worth the hike or we should just watch the sunset and star gaze on the beach near Kona. Any insight is appreciated! Thanks in advance

Hi! We're attending a wedding in Oahu in October with two kids (7 & 12.) We'll have a rental car. We love the beach, boogie boarding and local food! We'll be there five days and would love some advice on must-do's and must eats. Thanks!

Hello, all! I have a sun hypersensitivity and need to get some sun-protective bottoms that cover my legs for when I'm snorkeling/surfing, but I'm have trouble finding any.

My go-to places for long-sleeve swim tops (L.L. Bean and Lands End, but I've checked a few other places as well) don't carry pants. Does anyone have any suggestions for where to look?

Thank you for your help!!

Had a minor accident recently and i started looking more closely on my auto policy. I realized I honestly don’t understand what happens if the other driver is uninsured or doesn’t have enough coverage for the damage/injuries.

I always assumed their insurance would handle everything if they were at fault, but apparently that isn’t always how it works.

For people who’ve dealt with this in Hawaii, is UM/UIM coverage something you’ve actually needed? Anything you wish you had checked on your policy beforehand?

Planning on eloping in Hawaii and bringing immediate family. My fiancé’s family has been to the Big Island (Kona) and loved it. I have never been to Hawaii at all and some of my family has not either. I feel like Kauai has the prettiest spots for elopements and prettier views/lush greenery, but that Kona has a lot more to do for families. I don’t want my family to go to Big Island (specifically Kona) as their first island and be underwhelmed. Need help.

Edit: Both families want to do whatever we want to do and are supportive of any island. I just want to pick the island they would enjoy the most too since they are paying for it!

To book the manta ray night snorkel!

Our trip is the first week of September. (I've been reading about Lala's impacts. We're from the Gulf coast of the US, so we're no strangers to hurricanes and their impacts. Our hearts go out to all those going through recovery and clean up. It seems likely that we'll be able to do this activity by then--if I can convince him!)

My husband was hesitant due to the price, and I feel like the YouTube videos I found of it are underwhelming. I think it'll be totally different and awe inspiring to view in person.

Can anyone give perspective on how great it was? It seems like THE THING to do in Kona. OR if you found it lacking in some way/not worth it, share that too. I know everything in Hawaii is expensive, but this excursion is a lot more than we'd normally pay for a vacation activity and I guess I just don't want to have buyer's remorse.

Hi!

I’m visiting with a group of friends and we’re staying with my family for most of it to save on costs but were 22 y/o and want to have fun and party too. I was hoping people could help me with recommendations of the following:

- Nightlife in Wahiawa?
- Nightlife in Waikiki? (drinks no more than $15)
- Cheap lodging in Waikiki (or across Ala wai) for 4 people (so maybe not hostels)
-Nightlife in Hawaii Kai? (were gonna be near koko marina)

Just for explanation.
- We have some where to stay near Waikiki but we can’t go back at crazy hours or crazy drunk so we just need a place to crash for the night.
- Wahiawa time we come back and drunkness doesn’t matter, well just uber back
- I can borrow a car from my grandparents

I have a lot of family on the island so lmk any big places for partying and having fun (cheap, were 22 and broke)!!

Edit: Please lmk party areas near Wahiawa that we could uber or take the rail too!

Visiting in less than a month so I need to book soon but I am torn between the two. I am a big Jurassic Park fan but my partner might enjoy the UTV tour more. We are both in our late twenties but I don’t know how to ride a bike so that’s not an option. I really appreciate your feedback. Thank you!

I have a trip planned to Oahu September 20-24 and I’m starting to get a little nervous. I’ve been seeing people saying Hawaii has been getting more rain than usual the year, plus the recent news about hurricane Lala.

Should I consider cancelling or do you think it would be okay by then. I know weather is unpredictable but I would still like to hear from anyone who lives in Hawaii.

Going to Hawaii with my wife in early Dec. We’re doing 5 nights on Kauai first, then trying to decide between Maui and the Big Island for the second portion of the trip (4 nights).

For those last 4 nights, we mostly want to zen out at a resort -- somewhere fairly luxe, beautiful, comfortable, and nice enough that we’ll want to spend the day on/around the property. We care a bit less about the room itself (but I know Kea Lani suites are a plus) and more about the grounds, pools/beach, service, food, overall atmosphere, and how special the resort feels. We love a place with warmth and character.

Open to other suggestions, but so far narrowed it down to the following. Booking w Amex, so some have promos (and all get free breakfast). Prices are all-in, including fees.

1. Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection — $1110/night (comes with a $400 resort credit to use there). I was kinda attached to this one and was ready to splurge, but then price bumped even more :/
2. Fairmont Kea Lani — $1030/night (promo for a free night, included in that price). I worry it's a bit mega-resorty?
3. Fairmont Orchid — $575/night (promo for a free night, included in that price). Recent tripadvisor reviews worry me...
4. Andaz -- $955/night
5. Waldorf Grand Wailea -- $785/night -- tripadvisor reviews seem straight up bad?

The Orchid obviously stands out on price, which is making this harder. For people who have stayed at 2 or more of these: what were your experiences like, which was your favorite, and how big was the actual quality/experience gap? Is Mauna Lani meaningfully better than Kea Lani or Andaz? And is either enough better than Fairmont Orchid to justify that difference?

We're new to 5 star travel -- wanted to treat ourselves on this trip, so I think I'll feel a bit let down if I get there and it feels wayyy below that. Happy to splurge a bit if the difference is genuinely noticeable, but don’t want to spend an extra ~$1,500–2,000 over four nights for a marginal upgrade. We want to keep the trip under $13k-ish, but got a great deal on our Kuwaii hotel (400/night :) Note: I think that means FS/Rosewood etc. is a bit out of reach ($1400<).

What have everyone's experiences been at these resorts? Which would you choose at these prices?

Thanks in advance, everyone!! Let me know if I can provide further info about what we're looking for etc. Just wanted to get everyone's thoughts :)

Hi everyone,

we’re traveling to Hawaii from Austria and will be renting cars during our trip.

Does anyone know if an International Driving Permit (IDP) is actually required when renting/driving a car in Hawaii with an Austrian/EU driver’s license?
I’ve found conflicting information online, so I’d especially appreciate hearing from Europeans who have rented a car in Hawaii recently.

Did you need an IDP at the rental counter, or was your regular EU driver’s license enough?

Thanks!

My husband and I are thinking about celebrating our babymoon in late November and splitting our time (~1 week) between the Andaz and Ritz Carlton. We have points for the Andaz but heard good things about the Ritz, and wanted to make sure we could see more of the island. Is this a good combo or would you suggest one over the other? A different hotel? Thank you!

I came across this link from another reddit convo about the Kauai OO when I was reviewing posts about our upcoming return trip to Hawaii, one of my favorite places on earth. I just had to share this, since it is relevant to Visiting Hawaii. Next time you're out and about, soak in the sounds and sights, you might just be witnessing and hearing something you're never heard before and possibly something that may be extremely rare or on the verge:

https://www.reddit.com/r/NatureIsFuckingLit/comments/1fdqyro/this_a_recording_of_the_last_kaua%CA%BBi_%CA%BB%C5%8D%CA%BB%C5%8D_bird/

Hawaii has nature and landscapes that are ONLY found in Hawaii <3

I plan to use my bird app when I arrive, so I can see what types of birds I hear. Looking forward to getting some hiking.

It is both sad and beautiful and it really makes you stop to think a bit, reflecting on the state of things.

Let me know your favorite places to bird. I'm new to this, I just bought some small binoculars and downloaded a bird listening app <3

https://preview.redd.it/e6yrwab66dkh1.png?width=1067&format=png&auto=webp&s=218e7126baed7e6687e97e9b4e944c36f7fbde46

I will br traveling to Waikiki in February and will have a car for the duration of my stay. I will be based out of the Wayfinder Waikiki hotel and based on reviews, people have complained about their valet parking being limited and often full. Do you have any recommendations for parking garages nearby that would allow overnight parking? Cost is not a concern, but availability and safety are priority. Ideally, we would like to keep the car within a 10-minute walk from the hotel. TIA!

Hello everyone!

I'm planning to go to Maui with my partner near the Christmas period (20-22nd of December) this year. Is a price for a one way ticket from LA (LAX) to Maui (OGG) of 350$ a good price or should I hold off just a bit more? It's Basic Economy, and the airline is American Airlines.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thank you!