Philippines Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Waves, Threat to Hawaii Passes
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake off the Philippines killed at least 32 people and generated tsunami waves that reached as far as Japan, but the Pacific-wide tsunami threat has been lifted. The magnitude 7.8 offshore earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Monday morning, killing 32 people and injuring over 200. A 1-meter tsunami hit nearby Philippine […]
Hawaii National Guard Launches Wildfire Response Operation for 2026 Season
Governor Josh Green has signed an emergency proclamation authorizing Operation Hoʻopauahi, a statewide wildfire response initiative that keeps National Guard helicopters ready for immediate deployment during fire season. Multiple sources report this marks the second year of the program, which runs from June through November and aims to provide faster aerial firefighting support to county […]
Haleakala Could Erupt Again, Scientists Say Volcano Remains Active
Haleakala is an active volcano that last erupted 400-500 years ago and could potentially erupt again, though scientists expect any future eruption would produce slow-moving lava flows rather than explosive activity. Haleakala has erupted at least 10 times in the last 1,000 years, with the most recent eruption occurring between 1480-1600. USGS geologists classify Haleakala […]
Hawaii National Guard Activated for 2026 Wildfire Season Through November
Governor Josh Green signed an emergency proclamation launching Operation Ho’opauahi for the second consecutive year, as reported by multiple state sources. The initiative activates Hawaii National Guard helicopters and crews to provide rapid aerial firefighting support during the 2026 wildfire season. Emergency proclamation authorizes Adjutant General to activate Hawaii National Guard for wildfire response from […]
Research Shows Communities Need 6+ Exit Roads to Survive Wildfires
New research analyzing 20 years of wildfire deaths found communities with fewer than six major evacuation routes face exponentially higher fatality rates during fires. Study of U.S. wildfire deaths since 2008 identified six major roads as the critical threshold for community survival. Communities with six or fewer evacuation routes show exponentially increasing per capita fatality […]
Ocean Conditions Calm as High Surf Advisory Ends for Maui
High surf advisory has been cancelled as wave heights decline across Maui shores. All areas will see minimal surf conditions through the weekend. High Surf Advisory cancelled as south-facing shore waves decreased to 3-4 feet. All shorelines expect minimal ankle-high surf through Friday and weekend. Small north swell will peak Friday morning then subside over […]
Disaster Unemployment Aid Available Until June 15 for March Storm Impacts
Property owners and workers affected by March 2026 storms, floods, and landslides can apply for disaster unemployment assistance until June 15. Benefits range from $346 to $868 weekly through October 2026. Disaster Unemployment Assistance covers job losses from March 10-24, 2026 storms, floods, and landslides across Maui, Hawaii, and Honolulu counties. Eligible applicants include business […]
First Pacific Tropical Storm Forms, Currently No Threat to Hawaii
Tropical Storm Amanda became the first named storm of the 2026 Pacific hurricane season but remains far from Hawaii with no current threat to the islands. Amanda is located 1,475 miles southwest of Baja California with 40 mph winds. The storm is moving northwest and expected to weaken over the weekend. No coastal watches or […]
South Shore Surf Reaches 14 Feet, Big Island Flooding Closes Roads
High surf advisory brings 10-14 foot waves to all Hawaiian Islands’ south shores through Thursday morning, while heavy rainfall causes flooding and road closures on Big Island. High surf advisory effective until 6 a.m. Thursday for all south-facing shores statewide with waves up to 14 feet. Long-period south-southwest swell will impact exposed southern coastlines with […]
Officials Warn of Above-Normal Hurricane Season Starting June 1
Maui County and state officials are urging residents and visitors to prepare for an above-normal hurricane season that began June 1, as reported by multiple sources. NOAA forecasters predict 5-13 tropical cyclones in the Central Pacific basin with a 70% chance of above-normal activity through November 30. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November […]