The Visitor’s Guide to Hurricane Season in Hawaii

As the enchanting islands of Hawaii gear up for hurricane season, kamaʻāina (Hawaii residents) begin their hurricane safety preparations. As a visitor, you should, too — being well-prepared ensures your tropical getaway remains a memorable and safe experience no matter what the weather forecast brings. Whether you've already planned your trip months in advance or you're considering a visit during this time, understanding how to stay safe amidst the natural beauty is manaʻo nui (an important idea). From knowing the best times to travel, to what safety tips and preparedness strategies you should follow once you arrive, the right knowledge and precautions mean you can still enjoy Oahu's breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture while staying safe and sound.

When is Hurricane Season in Hawaii?

Hawaii's official hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, with August being the peak month.

During hurricane season, the islands are more susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes, although severe weather events are relatively rare compared to other regions. However, Hawaii's Office of Public Health Preparedness notes that "tropical cyclones can occur off-season, and storms can happen at any time of year."

Is It Safe to Travel? The Good News: A Hawaii Hurricane is Quite Rare 

Don't let hurricanes deter you from making your trip. They're relatively uncommon in Hawaii compared to other regions, such as the Caribbean or the southeastern United States:

• The Hawaiian Islands experience four to five tropical cyclones per year, with fewer of these developing into full-fledged hurricanes
• Over the last 70 years, only 30 hurricanes came within a few hundred miles of the islands
• Since 1950, only five hurricanes or storms caused serious damage to the Aloha State

Historically, direct hits by hurricanes are very, very rare, with only a few significant storms — such as Hurricane Iniki in 1992 — causing substantial damage. While the risk exists, it's generally low and it's safe to travel to Hawaii. All you need to do is stay informed and prepared.

Hawaii Hurricane Safety Tips

Don't let hurricane season in Hawaii deter you from taking in the breathtaking mountain vistas and sunswept beaches of Oahu. It's all about thinking ahead and being prepared — and you reading this guide means you've already taken the most important step of staying informed:

• The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) always has the latest information on storms and other emergencies that could affect your Hawaii vacation
• Keep up-to-date with local weather forecasts and alerts from trusted sources such as the National Weather Service's local Hawaii storm reports and local news channels like KHON2 and KITV4 
• Download a reliable weather app for real-time updates
• Sign up for local emergency notification systems for each island you visit during your Hawaii vacation:

• • Hawaii County
  • City & County of Honolulu
  • Kauai County
  • Maui County

Beyond staying informed, you also want to:

• Consider purchasing travel insurance (but make sure it covers trip interruptions or cancellations due to hurricanes, with hurricane coverage typically adding $15 to $26/day to your regular travel insurance)
• Familiarize yourself with the nearest hurricane shelters and evacuation routes — there are dozens of public hurricane/tropical cyclone/storm evacuation shelter facilities in and around Honolulu and Waikiki
• Prepare an emergency kit with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, medications, important documents (such as your flight information and passports), and cash — everything you need can easily be purchased at one of the many ABC Stores throughout Waikiki
• Establish a communication plan with your family and friends to let them know you are safe (text messages, email, or social media are often more reliable than phone calls during emergencies)
• Adhere to any evacuation orders or instructions from local Oahu authorities and your hotel staff
• If you have a rental car, park it in a secure area away from trees and potential flooding (the Waikiki Resort Hotel offers both outdoor and underground parking for your convenience)
• During the storm, stay indoors and away from windows and doors. Use interior rooms for shelter and avoid using electrical appliances.

Finally, if a hurricane makes a rare appearance while you're in Hawaii, be cautious after the hurricane passes. Avoid flooded areas, downed power lines, and debris. And of course, listen to local authorities for updates on when it is safe to venture out.

Waikiki Resort Hotel Will Blow You Away With Its Location and Amenities

Hurricane season or not, the Waikiki Resort Hotel is your safe, conveniently located home away from home. Not only are we centrally located near all of the best sights and sounds of Waikiki, but our world-class amenities and experiences — including free hula classes and ukulele lessons — mean Hawaiian fun is always in season (even during hurricane season).  Book your stay at the Waikiki Resort Hotel online or call us at 1-800-367-5116 to see why our location, friendly staff, convenience, and amenities give us top ratings among our guests.