Four important tips to know before you go to Hawaii

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Traveling soon to Hawaii? Well there are a few things you need to know before you go.

Tip 1 - Begin specific location research 60-90 days pre-travel.

If you are like me, I begin looking at the weather and activities of the area where I will be traveling about 60-90 days out from “date-of-arrival.” And I recommend you do the same, for those who haven’t been watching the news, the island of Kauai received over 50 inches of rain in a single day — a new record. Yes, you’re reading it correctly, over four feet of rain. That much water coming at you all at once created wide spread flooding and landslides (more on that below).

As you get ready to go to the Hawaiian Islands, here are a few things you should be aware of, as of 03 May 2018, so you may maximize your enjoyment.

On 02 May 2018, Governor David Ige petitioned to have O’ahu and Kaua’i declared major disaster. Federal aid will assist those areas recovering from the 13-15 April deluge.

Tip 2 - Stay apprised of the situation in Kauai, Hawaii

The island of Kauai received over 50 inches of rain in one day a few weeks ago and had already absorbed days of rain previously and subsequently. Securely Travel highlighted the flooding in Kauai in two of our Securely Travel Briefs (17 April 2018 and 19 April 2018).

Coast Guard video taken of flooding in the vicinity of Hanalei Bay, Kauai.
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The boutique resort, “Hanalei Colony Resort” has canceled all reservations through 30 June 2018. They have shown tremendous spirit of Ohana (family) by stepping up for the Kauai community, “During this time, the resort is serving as a central command center for those affected by this emergency, and we continue to welcome anyone in need of assistance.”

Securely Travel - Hawaii Volcano — Hawaii Volcano

Tip 3 - Keep on top of the volcanic activity on the Big Island of Hawaii

Securely Travel Brief - Hawaii - Kilauea Volcano - 07 May 2018 — Kilauea Volcano Eruption - Courtesy US Geological Survey

UPDATE: Securely Travel Brief - Hawaii - Kilauea Volcano - Special Edition issued 07 May 2018. The volcano has erupted with lava flows within the East Rift Zone.

The National Park Service issued the following statement on 30 April 2018.

On Monday afternoon, April 30, the crater within Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō collapsed, and a flurry of low magnitude earthquakes continues to shake the eastern side of the island, particularly communities in lower Puna. A small fissure opened to the west of the vent on Tuesday, May 1, but scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory report that an intrusion of magma is heading eastward from the vent towards Highway 130.

The current eruption at Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō is off limits to hikers. However, the summit of Kīlauea continues to erupt within Halema‘uma‘u Crater within the park, and is best viewed from the Jaggar Museum overlook. The lava lake within the crater has risen dramatically since April 21, and has occasionally spilled onto the crater floor. The park is open 24 hours a day.

Which has necessitated the closure of portions of the Big Island’s park.

Securely Travel - Oahu Flooding — Oahu flooding

Tip 4 - Monitor the recovery from the April rains on Oahu

The flooding which occurred on the island of Oahu, was predominately in the eastern portion of the island, which saw 4-5 inches of rain per hour during the April rainstorms. Local television station KHON2 has compiled a list of resources for residents to assist with their recovery.

The Honolulu city government is promoting travel safety, especially during periods of heavy rains. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”

Hawaii averages about 11 Flash Flood events per year with the more frequent events occurring between October and April (Wet Season). Flash Flood events cause for most of the direct weather related fatalities due to people crossing streams or fast moving water over roadways in their vehicles or by foot. Six (6) inches of rapidly moving water can knock a person off his/her feet or sweep a vehicle off the road. So it is important to heed the warning, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”. Never drive across flooded roadways or bridges. Even shallow water can be dangerous as you do not know if the road or bridge has been compromised.

Securely Travel - Loihi Island — Loihi Island

Bonus Tip - Watch the creation of the new island of Lö’ihi

The Hawaiian Islands are steeped with history, beauty and adventure. Geologically speaking they are young, and still being formed. Watch for the arrival of a new island, about 20 miles southeast of the Big Island is being formed as volcanic lava spews from the ocean bed. Lö’ihi as it is called, rises 10,100 feet above the ocean floor to within 3,100 feet of the water surface, according to Geology.com. While the island may never come to be during our lifetime, the geologists suggest that the Loihi is connected to the other Hawaiian volcanoes.

Seismic data also indicate that the deepest earthquakes beneath Lö’ihi merge with the deep earthquakes beneath neighboring Kïlauea. This downward convergence implies that Lö’ihi, Kïlauea, and Mauna Loa all tap the same deep magma supply. The triangular zone defined by the summits of these three active volcanoes perhaps can be taken to lie over the postulated Hawaiian hot spot.