Aloha, travelers!
Have a Big Island vacation planned for late August, September, or October? Keep those bags packed! While tropical storms and hurricanes may be a natural part of life in the Pacific, significant impacts to Hawaiʻi are relatively uncommon. For most visitors, these months offer exactly what they came to Hawaii for—beautiful beaches, warm ocean water, sunny days, outdoor adventures, and plenty of aloha. And even when a tropical system does pass through the islands, its effects can vary greatly from one side of Hawaiʻi Island to another.
Hurricane Lala was a good reminder of that. In mid-August, Lala strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane as it approached Hawaiʻi Island, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, and power outages. The storm passed just south of the Big Island without making direct landfall, but some communities—particularly in southern and eastern areas—experienced significant impacts.
Here on the Kohala Coast and in the Kona area, things are already getting back to normal. Roads and businesses are reopening, power has been restored across much of the island, and visitors can once again enjoy many of the experiences that make the Big Island such a special destination. The areas that experienced the greatest damage are concentrated in other parts of the island, and recovery efforts continue there.
If you’re traveling to Hawaii between late August and October, there’s no reason to automatically cancel your plans. The Big Island is a large island with dramatically different microclimates, and a weather system affecting one area doesn’t necessarily mean your entire vacation will be disrupted. The sunny, leeward Kohala Coast and Kona side are known for their generally drier conditions, while the island’s mountains and windward areas create very different weather patterns.
Of course, it’s always smart to keep an eye on the forecast as your travel dates approach. If a tropical system develops, follow local guidance and be flexible with outdoor activities. But don’t let the possibility of tropical weather keep you from enjoying your Hawaii vacation.
Your Big Island vacation is still on! If you’re planning a trip to Kona, the Kohala Coast, or anywhere else on Hawaiʻi Island, we’d love to have you here. Explore our collection of Big Island vacation rentals and book your stay directly with Big Island Stays at bigislandstays.com.
Come for the beaches, stay for the aloha—and don’t let a little uncertainty about the weather keep you from experiencing the Big Island.
