Big Island Under Hurricane Watch as Tropical Storm Nolo Strengthens: What Visitors Need to Know

Hawaii travel news can change quickly. Always confirm current details with official sources before making travel plans.

Audio overview

If you’re on the Big Island or heading there in the next few days, Tropical Storm Nolo is now something you need to pay close attention to.

As of 5:00 a.m. HST Thursday, Nolo had strengthened to 60 mph and was nearly stationary about 285 miles south of South Point.

A Hurricane Watch remains in effect for Hawaii County.

Forecasters expect Nolo to become a hurricane by Thursday night. Hurricane conditions could reach the Big Island as early as Friday night.

But here’s the part I’d pay the most attention to: heavy rain and flooding could become a major problem even if Nolo’s center stays offshore.

The Big Island is forecast to receive 15 to 20 inches of rain, with isolated totals up to 35 inches. Forecasters warn that could cause life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in steep terrain.

Last verified: September 24, 2026 at approximately 5:15 a.m. HST

What we know about Tropical Storm Nolo right now

Nolo was located about 285 miles south of South Point early Thursday morning with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph.

The storm had barely moved overnight.

That is expected to change.

Nolo is forecast to begin moving north or north-northeast later Thursday and continue in that general direction through Friday.

Then comes the unusual part.

Forecasters expect Nolo to make a sharp turn west on Saturday somewhere near the Big Island.

Exactly when and where that turn happens remains uncertain.

The National Hurricane Center says the track forecast is more uncertain than normal because weather models still disagree on how far north Nolo will travel before turning west.

That matters because a track closer to the Big Island could substantially increase the threat of damaging winds.

Nolo could become a major hurricane near the Big Island

Nolo is strengthening.

The National Hurricane Center says conditions are coming together for possible rapid intensification as an inner core develops.

Warm ocean water, low wind shear and plenty of moisture could allow the storm to strengthen quickly.

The current forecast calls for Nolo to become a hurricane Thursday night and potentially reach major hurricane strength Saturday as it approaches the Big Island.

That does not mean the Big Island is guaranteed to take a direct hit from a major hurricane.

The track is still uncertain.

But it does mean visitors should take the Hurricane Watch seriously rather than waiting to see whether the forecast shows a direct landfall.

Heavy rain may be the biggest threat

Wind will probably get most of the attention as Nolo strengthens.

But flooding may become one of the biggest problems for visitors.

The National Hurricane Center currently forecasts:

Big Island: 15 to 20 inches of rain, with isolated totals up to 35 inches.

Maui: 5 to 10 inches, with isolated totals up to 20 inches.

Elsewhere in the Hawaiian Islands: 1 to 3 inches, with isolated totals up to 6 inches.

Forecasters warn that rainfall on the Big Island could cause catastrophic, life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas with steep terrain.

Maui could also see life-threatening flooding and mudslides.

A Flood Watch remains in effect for Hawaii Island and Maui County through Saturday afternoon.

Rain is already increasing.

Numerous locations on the windward Big Island had received more than an inch of rain during the previous 12 hours by Wednesday night.

The heavier tropical moisture associated with Nolo is expected to increase Thursday and Friday.

Don’t focus only on whether Nolo makes landfall

This is important if you’re planning a trip around the forecast cone.

You do not need the center of a hurricane to cross the Big Island for this storm to affect your trip.

Heavy rainfall, flooding, damaging winds, large waves and storm surge can extend away from the center.

Hurricane conditions are currently possible on the Big Island beginning as early as Friday night.

Hawaii County could also see storm surge of 1 to 3 feet, depending on the storm’s track and timing.

So I wouldn’t make decisions based only on whether a forecast map shows the center of Nolo crossing land.

Dangerous surf is also expected

Visitors planning beach days, snorkeling trips or ocean tours should also watch the surf forecast closely.

Swells from Nolo are expected to reach exposed east- and south-facing shores of the Big Island by Friday.

Those swells are expected to build through the weekend and could produce life-threatening surf and rip currents.

Ocean conditions can become dangerous before the storm makes its closest approach.

Check with your tour operator before heading out, and follow beach and ocean closures issued by local officials.

Parks, trails and camping areas are closing

Several visitor areas are already closing before the worst weather arrives.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources says all state parks, camping areas, forest reserves, state hiking trails, wildlife sanctuaries, natural area reserves and other DLNR-managed areas on Hawaii Island are closed beginning Thursday, September 24.

Similar closures begin on Maui and Molokai on Friday, September 25.

State forest and park camping permits have also been suspended until further notice.

That means visitors should not assume a trail, state park or camping reservation will remain available just because conditions still look manageable where they are staying.

Check directly before leaving your hotel or vacation rental.

Schools and government offices are also closed

Governor Josh Green announced that state and county offices, public schools and University of Hawaii campuses and facilities on Hawaii Island will be closed Thursday and Friday.

Those closures expand to Maui County on Friday.

That does not mean the entire Big Island is shut down.

But it shows that officials are preparing for potentially serious impacts before Nolo arrives.

More closures could be announced as the forecast changes.

Airlines are starting to offer travel waivers

Airlines are also beginning to give some travelers more flexibility.

Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines have issued a Tropical Storm Nolo waiver for Hilo.

It applies to eligible tickets purchased on or before September 23 for original travel between September 24 and September 27.

Eligible travelers may be able to move travel through September 30 under the waiver’s conditions.

Delta has issued a waiver covering:

• Kona (KOA)
• Kahului, Maui (OGG)
• Honolulu (HNL)

Delta’s current waiver applies to travel scheduled for September 26 and 27, with eligible rebooked travel through September 30.

Airline policies can change quickly as the storm gets closer.

Check your reservation directly with your airline rather than assuming your flight is canceled.

What about Maui?

Maui is not currently under the Hurricane Watch affecting the Big Island.

But Maui should not ignore Nolo.

The island is under a Flood Watch, with 5 to 10 inches of rain and isolated totals up to 20 inches currently forecast.

The National Hurricane Center says periods of heavy rain are expected across both the Big Island and Maui through the weekend.

Tropical Storm Watches could also be issued for additional islands depending on how Nolo’s track develops.

If you’re on Maui Friday through the weekend, I would keep plans flexible and continue checking official updates.

What about Oahu and Kauai?

The highest risk remains focused on the Big Island and Maui.

Current forecasts call for lower rainfall totals across the rest of the state, generally 1 to 3 inches with isolated totals up to 6 inches.

Some isolated flooding is still possible.

Oahu and Kauai could also see stronger winds and rougher ocean conditions as Nolo moves through the region.

So this is not a reason to treat every island as if it faces the same threat.

Conditions and official guidance will vary considerably by island.

Why Nolo is such an unusual storm

Nolo has an unusual history.

This same system originally formed far east of Hawaii as Tropical Depression Fifteen-E.

On September 15, the National Hurricane Center determined that the depression had lost its well-defined surface circulation and opened into a trough.

Forecasters stopped issuing normal tropical cyclone advisories.

At the time, the National Hurricane Center said the chance of the remnants regenerating appeared very low.

But the remnants kept traveling west across the Pacific.

More than a week later, the system reorganized near Hawaii.

Advisories resumed on September 23, and later that morning the system strengthened enough to become Tropical Storm Nolo.

So this isn’t simply a new tropical storm that suddenly appeared south of the Big Island.

It is the regeneration of the same system forecasters had declared remnants more than a week earlier.

That’s an interesting part of Nolo’s story.

But for visitors, what happens next matters much more.

What should Big Island visitors do now?

If you’re already on the Big Island, I would keep the next few days simple.

Check with your hotel or vacation rental about their storm procedures.

Confirm tours, activities and reservations before leaving.

Avoid assuming that parks, trails or ocean activities will remain open.

Keep an eye on your flight.

And most importantly, follow instructions from Hawaii County Civil Defense and the National Weather Service if watches, warnings or evacuation guidance change.

If you’re supposed to arrive Friday or Saturday, check your airline and accommodations before you leave home.

You may now have more flexibility to change your trip depending on your airline.

Should you cancel your Big Island trip?

I wouldn’t make that decision based only on one forecast map.

But I also would not dismiss this as just another tropical storm passing near Hawaii.

Hawaii County is under a Hurricane Watch.

Nolo is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane and potentially a major hurricane.

Significant flooding is possible.

Parks and trails are closing.

Government offices and schools are closed.

And airlines are already offering some travelers flexibility.

If you’re arriving during the period when the strongest impacts are possible, contact your airline, hotel and activity providers and look at the options available to you.

The forecast will become clearer as Nolo begins moving again and forecasters get a better idea of where its sharp westward turn will occur.

What happens next

The next several advisories are important.

Forecasters are watching three things in particular:

How quickly Nolo strengthens.

How far north it travels.

And where it makes its sharp turn toward the west.

Those details will help determine how close the strongest winds get to the Big Island and whether the Hurricane Watch is upgraded to a Hurricane Warning.

The National Hurricane Center says a Hurricane Warning will likely be needed for the Big Island later Thursday.

The next intermediate advisory is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. HST, followed by a full advisory at 11:00 a.m. HST.

I’ll continue updating this article as the forecast and official guidance change.

FAQs

Is the Big Island under a Hurricane Watch for Tropical Storm Nolo?

Yes. Hawaii County is under a Hurricane Watch, which means hurricane conditions are possible. Forecasters say hurricane conditions could begin as early as Friday night, depending on Nolo’s track.

When could Tropical Storm Nolo affect the Big Island?

Heavy rain is already increasing, with conditions expected to worsen Thursday into Friday. Hurricane conditions are possible as early as Friday night, with significant impacts possible through the weekend. The exact timing remains uncertain because Nolo’s forecast track has higher-than-normal uncertainty.

How much rain could the Big Island get from Nolo?

The National Hurricane Center forecasts 15 to 20 inches of rain across the Big Island, with isolated totals up to 35 inches. That could cause serious flooding and mudslides, especially on windward and southeast parts of the island and in steep terrain.

Is Maui also at risk from Tropical Storm Nolo?

Yes, although the Big Island currently faces the greater threat. Maui County is under a Flood Watch, and Maui could receive 5 to 10 inches of rain with isolated totals up to 20 inches. Visitors should continue monitoring forecasts because watches and warnings could change.

Are Big Island parks and trails closed because of Nolo?

Yes. State parks, state hiking trails, forest reserves, camping areas and several other DLNR-managed lands on Hawaii Island are closed beginning Thursday, September 24. Similar closures begin Friday on Maui and Molokai. Reopening will depend on conditions and damage assessments.

Should I cancel my Big Island trip because of Tropical Storm Nolo?

There is no single answer for every trip. If you are scheduled to travel during the period of possible impacts, check your airline, hotel or vacation rental and activity providers before leaving. Some airlines have already issued travel waivers that may give eligible travelers more flexibility. Continue following the National Hurricane Center, National Weather Service Honolulu and Hawaii County Civil Defense for current guidance.

Sources

• National Hurricane Center / Central Pacific Hurricane Center: Tropical Storm Nolo Public Advisory
• National Weather Service Honolulu
• Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources: State Parks, Forest Lands and Camping Closing on Hawaii Island, Maui and Molokai Due to Tropical Storm Nolo
• Office of the Governor: Closure of Some State and County Offices, Public Schools and UH for Tropical Storm Nolo
• Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines Travel Advisories
• Delta Air Lines: Tropical Storm Nolo Travel Waiver
• United Airlines Travel Waivers