Hurricane Nolo Passed South of Hawaii
The storm brought gusty winds and high surf to Hawaii as it churned 145 miles south of the Big Island.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Severe Weather
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Hurricane Nolo moved away from Hawaii on Saturday after bringing turbulent weather to the islands. It marks the third hurricane to approach the state in a single season, a frequency not seen in 70 years.
Why it matters
An El Niño weather pattern has triggered unusually high storm activity in the Pacific while suppressing development in the Atlantic. This shift highlights the vulnerability of modern infrastructure, which often fails to integrate natural water pathways like traditional fishponds.
Hurricane Nolo churned 145 miles south of South Point while Pacific regions recorded 17 hurricanes and 41 named storms this year. Forecasters expect Pacific activity to reach historic intensity as the season continues through November 30.
The players
Hurricane Nolo
This is the third hurricane of the 2026 season to approach the Hawaiian Islands.
Hurricane Lala
This storm caused two deaths on the Big Island earlier in the season.
Hurricane Lowell
This hurricane damaged portions of Kauaʻi earlier in the season.
The details
Hurricane Nolo followed previous storms Hurricane Lala, which caused two deaths on the Big Island, and Hurricane Lowell, which damaged portions of Kauaʻi. Modern development has blocked traditional water-management systems, exacerbating flood risks during these repeated weather events.
Timeline
1914 was the last time the Atlantic experienced zero hurricanes.
2026 is the current hurricane season.
September 26, 2026, was when Nolo moved away from the Big Island.
November 30, 2026, marks the end of the hurricane season.
Seasonal Patterns
This hurricane season matches the frequency of the 70-year record for triple-hurricane approaches to Hawaii. The current intensity follows a pattern set by the 70-year interval since three hurricanes last approached the Hawaiian Islands.
Residents should continue to monitor local weather alerts for residual high surf and potential flooding impacts. Those in vulnerable coastal areas should ensure drainage systems remain clear of debris to assist with water management.
The takeaway
The intensity of the 2026 season demonstrates how regional climate patterns can significantly alter historical weather norms. Implementing traditional land management techniques, such as restoring fishponds, may offer improved protection against future storm-related flooding.
What happens next
The Pacific hurricane season continues until November 30, 2026, at which point authorities will finalize the season's total storm counts.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest updates in Severe Weather.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Big Island Now | Big Island News and Information.
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