Hawaii is telling travelers to leave much earlier than usual for flights because of severe weather moving across the islands this week as a result of a large winter storm. The Hawaii Department of Transportation said on March 11 that travelers should get to the airport at least three hours before transpacific flights and at least 90 minutes before interisland departures. The state also advised travelers to check with airlines directly before heading out.
This comes one day after flight disruptions tied to the Kilauea eruption in Hilo, where several flights were canceled as tephra and volcanic ash affected the area. That is separate from the storm system also now hitting the state, but for Hawaii travelers it points out that there is not much slack in the system when weather or natural events start interfering with flights.
Governor Josh Green issued an emergency proclamation on March 9 ahead of the storm, warning of heavy rain, flooding, strong thunderstorms, and damaging winds across Hawaii this week. The governor’s office said Kauai and Oahu would be affected first, with conditions expected to spread across the rest of the state through the weekend. The first massive storm wave moved through Kauai yesterday, while more is expected later this week.
The weather situation is not minor. Forecasts have pointed to a powerful Kona storm affecting the islands through the weekend, with multiple hazards in effect. Flood watches were already in place for Kauai and Oahu through Saturday afternoon, with Maui County and parts of the Big Island under later windows as the system shifts to the east.
Even if a flight is not canceled, bad weather can slow the whole airport chain down, including the drive to the airport, check-in lines, security, aircraft arrivals, gate availability, and boarding.
A short delay somewhere else can become a bigger problem in Hawaii because there are fewer alternatives and less room to recover once things start backing up. That is why the state is telling people not to cut timing close this week.
What to do now.
Leave early. Obviously check your flight before you go. Check Hawaii airport and TSA apps too. Do not rely on one quick check hours before departure, as this weather is fast-changing, and do not assume an interisland flight will stay simple just because it is short.
Hawaii is under a severe weather setup serious enough for an emergency proclamation, multiple flood watches, and a statewide airport timing advisory.
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Cancel your trip. The forecast is for terrible conditions; almost a week of heavy rain. The ocean will be polluted by runoff, so snorkeling and swimming will be toxic. Don’t forget the risk of flooding and mudslides! Save your time and money.