Hurricane Season (June – November)

The Central Pacific Hurricane Season officially runs from June 1 until November 30, though tropical cyclones can occur off season and storms can happen at any time of year.
The Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) in Honolulu and National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami monitor possible storms even during the off season.

During hurricane season, and any time of year, residents and visitors of Hawaii are advised to stay informed, practice your plan, and have your emergency kit ready.

Important Health Information

Stay up to date on all boosters and immunizations. This will be especially important if using an evacuation shelter.

Never drive, ride, or walk through water during heavy rains and flash flooding.
Storm water may contain bacteria, other pathogens, dangerous chemicals, debris, and other hazards you may not be able to see.

Maintain your mental and emotional health and wellness. People affected by hurricanes and other weather disasters may feel more anxious and distressed.
Call Hawaii CARES 988 statewide toll FREE at 1-800-753-6879 and talk with a live local representative 24/7 for help with crisis, mental health, and substance use.
The Hawaii CARES 988 website has options for text and chat: https://hicares.hawaii.gov/.

Read the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations for protecting children in response to natural disasters:
www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Pages/Talking-to-Children-about-Disasters.aspx.

Last Updated on 07/18/2022

Current Situation

There are no tropical cyclones in the Central North Pacific at this time.

Impact in Hawaii

map showing where Hurricane Lane brought hurricane-force winds and tropical storm-force winds very close to Hawaii in August 2018

Although Hurricane Lane’s center did not make direct landfall in Hawaii, it brought strong winds and record-breaking torrential rain when it passed close to the islands, causing major flooding and widespread damage. [Click to enlarge]

Tropical cyclones (i.e., hurricanes and other tropical storms) can occur at any time in the Central Pacific region, but especially from June to November. The Hawaiian Islands are susceptible to such tropical storms, with several hurricanes such as Lane (2018), Iniki (1992), and Iwa (1982) having caused major damage through severe winds and heavy rain.

Even when there is no imminent threat, the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) advises residents of Hawaii to have emergency kits containing food, water, medicine, and other important items that will last at least two weeks, as well as make emergency plans (see “What Can I Do?” below). These emergency kits will also help sustain families in case of other natural disasters or emergencies that may lead to a loss of utilities or other services.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health authorities also strongly encourage Hawaii residents to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and stay up to date with boosters.

What can I do?

Stay informed.

Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) reminds everyone to have a reliable way to get information and stay informed. You can get the latest information at the HI-EMA website, by monitoring local news broadcasts on radio and television, and by signing up for local emergency notification systems at the following webpages:

 

Make sure you’re prepared.

  • Have a personal/family emergency plan.

  • Make sure that your household has an emergency kit with at least two weeks’ worth of food, water, medicine, and other essentials.

    Have an emergency kit with enough supplies to last at least 14 days.

  • Get fully vaccinated for COVID-19. You can find out how and where by visiting hawaiicovid19.com/vaccine.

For more information, please visit the Department of Health’s disaster prevention pages on protecting your family.

 

Maintain mental and emotional health.

Many people experience emotional distress from natural disasters that have affected our state, such as volcanic activity and hurricanes, as well as pandemics.

Children are particularly vulnerable, as they have trouble processing what is happening. Help your children by sharing age-appropriate information and being honest about what is happening. Set a good example for children by taking care of yourself (which will also help ensure that you will be available to help them). Take breaks and unwind periodically and ask for help if you need it.

For help with feelings of stress and anxiety, you can call The Crisis Line of Hawaii 24/7 at 808-832-3100 on Oahu and toll-free at 1-800-753-6879 for neighbor islands.

 

Learn how to protect yourself from disaster.

Federal, state, and local agencies have information on what you can do before, during, and following a natural disaster:

Resources