All About the Big Island of Hawai'i
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for all Hawaiian Islands starting from Thursday, February 16 at 6 PM through Saturday, February 18 at 6 PM. A Kona Low is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the islands coming into this weekend.
As areas become more saturated, the risk of flash floods increased. Do not cross flowing water on foot or in vehicles.
The Big Island has two brush fires burning near the Keamuku Maneuver Area at the Pōhakuloa Training Area. Firefighters have been on the scene since Sunday afternoon and are working to control the flames, which so far pose no threat to businesses, roads, or homes.
The County of Hawai’i released this statement on February 12, 2023:
Lightning has been identified as the cause of two wildland brush fires which broke out about 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon in a remote area mauka of Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 190).
The fires, which are in the vicinity of the Keamuku Maneuver Area belonging to the U.S. Army’s Garrison at Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA), have burned a combined 40 acres as of 7 p.m. There were no units or troops training in the area. Currently, there is no threat to any community or structures. There are also no road closures.
Federal, County and volunteer firefighters, along with air assets from the U.S. Army and Hawaii County are engaged attempting to contain the fires, which are slowly burning south. Two bulldozers are also on the scene to assist with the firefighting.
Updates will also be coordinated with Hawai’i County Civil Defense to ensure the public is kept up to date. Residents will be informed if there is any change that may affect the public’s safety.
County of Hawai’i News Release
A high wind and high surf warning is in effect for North and South Kohala, as well as high summits on the Big Island. Bring in loose lawn items like chairs, trampolines, and toys. Be wary of high surf at beaches and use caution if you decide to go in the water.
The current advisories are set to expire on Friday, February 10, but they may be pushed out further if conditions continue. Be safe out there!
A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the summits on the Big Island. Snow has already fallen on Mauna Kea, living up to its name of the White Mountain.
Authorities are warning of snow accumulations of up to four inches, making travel difficult to impossible in some locations on high roads. The snow is also significantly reducing visibility.
More snow continues to fall and some Flash Flood Watches also remain in effect, along with road closures. Remember to never cross flowing water by foot or in a vehicle.
Guests on a boat with tour company Hawaiian Adventures Kona saw wildlife encounters during a whale watch tour on January 24, 2023. A juvenile humpback whale appeared to be interacting with a pod of pilot whales, a rare sight to see.
When the interaction between the animals was first seen, the travel agency said there were two male pilot whales with the humpback whale. The animals were splashing, diving, and even talking to one another! A hydrophone on the tour boat was lowered into the water and it picked up the whistles and clicks of both the humpback and the pilot whales.
The eruption of Kīlauea Volcano on the Big Island started on Jan. 5, 2023, and continues at the summit caldera. Activity is mainly concentrated in two lava lakes in the crater, an eastern lake that is approximately 25 acres in size, and a smaller western lake.
The primary hazard of concern is the high levels of volcanic gas released from the summit, which can cause health hazards, damage crops and other plants, and affect livestock. Visitors to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park should note that under southerly (non-trade) wind conditions, there is potential for a dusting of powdery to gritty ash composed of volcanic glass and rock fragments. For more information on the eruption, visitors can go to the National Park Service website.
Pictures from the USGS website of the current Kīlauea eruption:
To learn more about Hawaii’s five volcanoes, check out our page on Kīlauea Volcano or Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Big Island Blog 