by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:50 AM ET, Fri September 25, 2026
Hurricane Nolo is strengthening as it approaches Hawaii,
threatening the Big Island and other parts of the state with torrential rain,
damaging winds, dangerous surf and potentially catastrophic flooding through
the weekend.
According to Weather.com, the storm became a Category 1 hurricane
Thursday night and is forecast to strengthen further, potentially reaching
major hurricane status as it passes south of the islands.
Nolo was located roughly 250 miles south of the Big Island
on Friday morning and moving north at about 5 miles per hour. While the latest
forecast track keeps the center south of the main Hawaiian Islands, experts
believe that impacts will extend well beyond the storm’s center.
The Big Island could receive up to 35 inches of rain, while
parts of Maui could see as much as 15 inches. The National Hurricane Center has
warned of life-threatening, potentially catastrophic flash flooding and
mudslides, particularly in mountainous areas, according to CBS
News.
Flights Face Disruptions
Delta Air Lines has issued a travel waiver covering
Honolulu, Kahului on Maui and Kona on the Big Island for flights scheduled on
September 26-27. American Airlines also issued a weather waiver covering
Honolulu, Kahului, Kona and Lihue.
Eligible travelers can change their flights without a change
fee.
Travelers scheduled to fly to or from Hawaii this weekend
should check their flight status before leaving for the airport and review
their airline’s waiver policies before making changes.
Cruise Operations Disrupted
Norwegian Cruise Line has delayed the next departure of
Pride of America due to the approaching storm and related restrictions,
according to Cruise Hive.
The ship’s scheduled September 26 departure from Honolulu
has been pushed to September 28, reducing the planned seven-night itinerary to
five nights. Rough seas, high winds and port restrictions could continue
forcing cruise lines to alter embarkation schedules, itineraries, and port
calls.
Attractions and Tourism Infrastructure Impacted
The storm is also affecting Hawaii’s tourism infrastructure,
as state parks on the Big Island and in Maui are being closed as Nolo
approaches.
Weather.com reported that Nolo would be the fourth tropical
system to affect Hawaii in 2026, following Hurricane Lala, Tropical Storm Moke,
and Hurricane Lowell.
For visitors already in Hawaii, the primary concerns are
flooding, road closures, power outages, and changing conditions at beaches,
parks, and other outdoor attractions. The National Weather Service has warned
that heavy rainfall will increase across the Big Island and Maui as deeper
moisture associated with Nolo moves northward.
Travelers should continue monitoring official hurricane
forecasts, airline alerts, and cruise-line communications before traveling to
Hawaii this weekend, particularly those headed to the Big Island or Maui.
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