Beauty can be found in every state across the United States, but the Hawaiian Islands have long been a favorite travel destination. Visitors can enjoy a tropical paradise filled with fresh fruit, skilled surfers, and breathtaking landscapes—all without leaving the country. However, in recent years, many locals have expressed concerns about the detrimental impacts of over-tourism. Council member Keani Rawlins-Fernandez highlighted the challenges faced by Native Hawaiians, particularly regarding housing issues stemming from tourism. “Native Hawaiians, already displaced from their lands during colonization, are facing a housing crisis. When homes become available, they are often purchased by tourists instead of locals,” she shared. This trend forces local residents to move further away, disrupting their traditions and routines.
As communities cope with these challenges, they are also recovering from Hurricane Dora, which struck in 2023, and bracing for another potentially severe storm, Hurricane Gilma.
Hurricane Dora made a significant impact from July 31 to August 22, affecting all three North Pacific tropical cyclone basins. Hawaii faced consequences due to a pressure gradient caused by Dora’s movement, which coincided with strong winds that led to devastating wildfires on Maui, resulting in the loss of 102 lives. Although the Category 4 hurricane was located over 500 miles south of Honolulu, it still significantly altered local weather conditions.
Currently, the second storm of the 2024 East Pacific hurricane season, Hurricane Gilma, is forming. This storm is arriving later than the average date for such events, which is typically around July 15. Experts remain uncertain about the potential impacts on Hawaii and the severity of the weather changes expected.
Hurricane Gilma is predicted to reach its peak intensity over the next 72 hours while moving west. A new tropical cyclone is expected to develop either in the Eastern or Central Pacific, with its strength influenced by the presence of dry air and cooler coastal waters—factors that can hinder the intensification of storms.
Later this week, Hurricane Hunters will be dispatched on low-level missions to gather more information about the storm. While tropical systems in the Atlantic can be monitored with aircraft and drones, the Pacific relies mainly on satellite technology, which may not always provide consistent data.
Depending on how the storm evolves, there may be a possibility for its name to change if the system organizes quickly. If it slows down, it could cross over to the Central Pacific, falling under the jurisdiction of a different monitoring agency that uses an alternative naming system.
For those considering travel to Hawaii during hurricane season, forecast models suggest that disturbances merging in the Pacific may affect the islands in the upcoming days. While direct strikes on Hawaii are rare, an increase in wave activity and winds can significantly disrupt beach conditions. Visitors should remain vigilant regarding storm warnings and local advisories. If travel to Hawaii is necessary during hurricane season, it is advisable to be well-informed and prepared for possible emergencies, ensuring appropriate insurance coverage is in place.