by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 8:35 AM ET, Wed September 9, 2026
Hurricane Lowell has been weakening into a tropical storm-category weather event as it continues moving away from the Hawaiian Islands on the evening of Tuesday, September 8 and into Wednesday morning.
According to the National Hurricane Center’s last bulletin about Lowell, its location was about 390 miles north-northwest of Lihue, Hawai’i, exhibiting maximum sustained winds of 65 miles per hour.
As of 11:00 p.m. local Hawai’i time, no watches or warnings were in effect, but social media and news sites show devastated roads and coastal destruction from high tides and storm surges.
Those in Hawai’i should note that while the worst has certainly passed, there are still risks, as “life-threatening surf and rip current conditions” continue across the Hawaiian Islands through the next day or two.
FlightAware is reporting minimal flight impact at both Honolulu and Lihue airports, as of 8:30 a.m. ET on September 9, 2026. Flights were more impacted on September 8, when both airports canceled around two dozen flights each and reported several storm-related delays.
The Hawai’i Tourism Authority has been issuing alerts to travel advisors, travelers and others. Its most recent warning warns of the dangerous surf conditions, but notes that “Hotels throughout the state remain open and continue to welcome guests. Visitors with upcoming travel plans should keep their reservations and continue checking with their airline and accommodations.”
Visitors with reservations to Kaua’i, where Hurricane Lowell did the most damage, should confirm with their hotel or resort that their accommodations are still available. If not, the HTA recommends visiting another part of the state instead.
Travelers should also confirm tours and activities with providers, follow instructions from hotel staff and local officials, and check their communications with their airline for any flight changes. Do not visit areas closed for public safety.
Topics From This Article to Explore
