Hawaii consistently ranks as one of the most desirable travel destinations in the United States, offering a tropical paradise with fresh produce, world-famous surfing, and breathtaking landscapes. However, the islands have faced growing concerns about over-tourism and its negative effects on local residents. Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, a local council member, has highlighted the housing crisis affecting Native Hawaiians. She noted that properties are often bought by tourists as investment properties, which forces locals to relocate and disrupts their ability to maintain traditional ways of life. This issue is compounded by the recovery efforts from Hurricane Dora in 2023 and the looming threat of another storm, Hurricane Gilma.

Hurricane Dora, which lasted from July 31 to August 22, impacted all three North Pacific tropical cyclone basins. Although it was positioned over 500 miles south of Honolulu as a Category 4 hurricane, Dora caused significant wind-driven wildfires on Maui, resulting in 102 fatalities. This storm, considered a once-in-a-generation event by some meteorologists, disrupted local weather patterns despite being far from the islands.

Currently, Hurricane Gilma is the second storm of the 2024 East Pacific hurricane season and has appeared notably late, as the average onset date for such storms is July 15. Experts are unsure how much Gilma will affect Hawaii\’s weather. The storm is expected to reach its peak intensity in the next 72 hours while moving westward. Tropical cyclones in the Pacific are less monitored compared to the Atlantic, where planes and drones are used. In the Pacific, forecasters rely on satellite imagery and other tools, which may not always provide consistent results.

If Gilma intensifies or reorganizes rapidly, it may receive a new name under the Eastern Pacific designation, such as Hector or Ileana. If it crosses the 140-degree longitude line into Central Pacific waters, it will be monitored by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center with a different naming system.

Is It Safe to Travel to Hawaii During Hurricane Season?

Forecast models suggest that Invests 90/91E may soon merge and target Hawaii, potentially bringing adverse weather conditions in late August. The National Hurricane Center advises that while it is too early to determine the exact locations and severity of potential impacts, travelers should monitor the situation closely.

Direct hits on Hawaii are relatively rare, but tropical cyclones passing nearby can significantly increase waves and winds, affecting beach activities. If you plan to visit Hawaii during the approach of Hurricane Gilma, exercise caution and stay informed about potential storm damage. It\’s advisable to avoid travel during hurricane season unless absolutely necessary. If you proceed with your plans, ensure you are well-prepared for possible worst-case scenarios and have adequate insurance coverage.