HONOLULU, HI – Rising ocean levels and strong fall tides are combining to create minor coastal flooding across the Hawaiian Islands through Friday. Water could reach beach parks, roads, and low-lying communities from Hilo to Honolulu during peak tide cycles.
According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, unusually high water levels are coinciding with the month’s highest tides, producing isolated flooding and coastal erosion across portions of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, and the Big Island. The highest water will occur during morning high tides through Friday afternoon, when waves may overtop seawalls and flood parking lots and shoreline roads such as Kamehameha Highway and Ala Moana Boulevard.
Residents are urged to avoid driving through saltwater-covered roads. If travel is unavoidable, rinse vehicles afterward to prevent corrosion. Boaters should check mooring lines and watch for overwash near boat ramps. Coastal residents should secure canoes, kayaks, and beach gear well above the tide line.
While major damage is not expected, saltwater inundation could harm lawns, gardens, and electrical equipment near the coast. Small businesses and beachgoers are encouraged to monitor tide tables closely and share any flooding photos with the University of Hawaii’s King Tides Project for documentation.
Drier weather returns across most islands by Sunday, October 12, with passing showers early next week. Temperatures will stay seasonably warm, near the mid-80s, with humid afternoons typical of the fall transition period in the central Pacific.
Five-Day Forecast for Honolulu, HI:
Fri: 84/71 – Scattered showers; coastal flooding risk during high tides.
Sat: 83/69 – Partly sunny; showers likely by afternoon.
Sun: 83/68 – Breezy; lighter showers, improving conditions late.
Mon: 82/70 – Partly cloudy; isolated showers, lower humidity.
Tue: 83/71 – Mostly sunny; pleasant fall weather returns statewide.
