Aloha Reader,

This week alone, I've gotten 7 emails and 15 Instagram DMs asking some version of the same question. It even came up in two of my consultations. So if you've been wondering whether you should cancel your upcoming Hawaii trip, you are not alone, and I want to give you a real answer.

A powerful Kona low moved through Hawaii starting March 10th. It brought flooding, road closures, wind damage, and disruption across all the islands. It was a serious storm, and communities are still recovering. I don't want to minimize that.

But here's what I also want you to know: the storm has passed. As of today, there are no active watches or warnings from the National Weather Service. Scattered showers are expected through this weekend, but nothing like what hit last week.

Here's my honest island-by-island take.

Oahu came through okay. There was flooding and road chaos during the storm, but Waikiki and the main tourist areas are functioning. If you're heading there in the next couple of weeks, I'd go. One thing to know: brown water advisories are still in effect across the islands, meaning storm runoff has temporarily affected ocean water quality. It will clear, but give it a few days before you count on perfect snorkeling conditions on day one.

Kauai took the first hit and weathered it reasonably well. I'd feel comfortable sending families there.

Maui is where I'd urge a little patience if your trip is in the next week or two. The Road to Hana is currently partially closed to visitors. If Hana is the centerpiece of your trip, call ahead and check the status before you go. The rest of Maui is largely open and operating, but it was hit hard in areas like Kihei, and recovery takes time.

The Big Island took the brunt of the storm. Significant road closures, power outages, and damage from Hilo to Kona. If you're traveling in the next week or so, check road conditions daily and go in with some flexibility. If your trip is in April or beyond, I'd expect things to be much closer to normal.

Here's the bigger picture. Kona low storms are seasonal. Hawaii gets them every year. And Hawaii recovers fast. Local crews were out clearing debris and reopening roads within hours of the storm passing. That's not spin. That's just how Hawaii works.

For spring travel, the question to ask yourself isn't "should I cancel?" It's "is this specific thing I planned still possible, and do I have a backup if it isn't?" If Hana is your whole Maui trip, call ahead. If snorkeling is non-negotiable on day one, give yourself a couple of extra days of flexibility. If your plans are beach, pool, resort, and exploring, you're almost certainly going to be fine.

One more thing. The communities on these islands, especially on Maui and the Big Island, just went through something really hard. Showing up, eating at local restaurants, shopping at small businesses, that matters. Tourism dollars are part of how these communities recover, and going to Hawaii right now is genuinely a good thing.

I'll keep an eye on conditions and will update you if anything significant changes. In the meantime, here are three resources I trust for current, island-specific updates:

​Hawaii News Now (covers all islands), Maui Now, and Big Island Now.

You've got this. And Hawaii will be ready for you.

Aloha,

Marcie