Storm Update
Updated September 24, 2026 at 5:00 AM HST
This page carries guest updates for the Hali'i Kai community at Waikoloa Beach Resort, on the Kohala Coast of Hawai'i Island, during Tropical Storm & Hurricane Nolo. It applies to everyone staying at Hali'i Kai, whichever company or owner manages your rental.
Nolo keeps its name if it strengthens: the storm becomes Hurricane Nolo once sustained winds reach 74 mph. For the storm's current classification, track, and timing, rely on the Central Pacific Hurricane Center and Hawai'i County Civil Defense, not social media.
The Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecasts Nolo to strengthen into a major hurricane and pass south of Hawai'i Island on Saturday, September 26, then turn west. Hurricane conditions are possible in Hawai'i County as early as Friday night, September 25. A track closer to the island would raise the threat of damaging winds, especially over higher terrain and downwind of ridges.
The greatest danger is rain. Forecast totals for Hawai'i Island are 15 to 20 inches, with isolated amounts up to 35 inches, and a Flood Watch is in effect. Life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides are possible, especially in steep terrain. Roads can flood well before the strongest winds arrive: never drive through a flooded road.
Dangerous surf and rip currents are expected from Friday through the weekend, mainly on east- and south-facing shores. Stay out of the ocean until officials say conditions are safe.
Hawai'i County opened these public shelters on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 6 PM. None are in South Kohala or Waikoloa.
Shelters are a refuge of last resort. Bring your own food, water, medication, and bedding, plus a crate or carrier for pets. More shelters may open as the storm approaches: check Hawai'i County Civil Defense or call (808) 935-0031 for the current list.
Guests who booked with an operator other than Polu Resorts should contact their rental manager or property owner. Polu Resorts oversees a select number of properties at Hali'i Kai and cannot comment on suites operated by other parties.
Guests of Polu Resorts can reach the concierge desk by call or text at +1 (808) 758-POLU (7658), by toll-free phone at +1 (888) 480-POLU (7658), or by email at [email protected].
September 24, 2026 · 5:00 AM HST
Central Pacific Hurricane Center Advisory 16: Tropical Storm Nolo is about 285 miles south of South Point with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. It is forecast to become a hurricane tonight and a major hurricane by Saturday, September 26, with closest approach to Hawai'i Island on Saturday. A Hurricane Warning is expected later today.
September 23, 2026 · 6:00 PM HST
Hawai'i County opened public shelters at Kea'au Armory, Na'alehu Elementary School Gym, Robert N. Herkes Gym in Pahala, and Yano Hall in Captain Cook.
September 23, 2026
Governor Josh Green announced that state and county offices, public schools, and University of Hawai'i campuses on Hawai'i Island will close Thursday, September 24, and Friday, September 25.
September 23, 2026
Nolo strengthened into a tropical storm south of Hawai'i Island. A Hurricane Watch was issued for Hawai'i County, and a Flood Watch covers Hawai'i Island and Maui County.
Any Ocean Club closure for Nolo will be posted in the update log on this page as soon as it is announced. During Tropical Storm Lala in August 2026, the Ocean Club closed ahead of the storm and reopened the day after it passed.
The Central Pacific Hurricane Center's 5 AM HST advisory on Thursday, September 24, 2026 forecasts closest approach on Saturday, September 26, as a major hurricane passing south of the island. Hurricane conditions are possible in Hawai'i County as early as Friday night. Forecasts change, so check the Central Pacific Hurricane Center for the latest advisory.
As of Thursday, September 24, 2026, Hawai'i County had opened shelters in Kea'au, Na'alehu, Pahala, and Captain Cook, none of them in South Kohala or Waikoloa. More may open as the storm approaches. Call Hawai'i County Civil Defense at (808) 935-0031 or check its website for the current list.
Contact your rental manager or the property owner. Guests of Polu Resorts should contact the concierge desk by call or text at +1 (808) 758-POLU (7658), by toll-free phone at +1 (888) 480-POLU (7658), or by email at [email protected].
The name stays the same either way. Nolo is called Tropical Storm Nolo while sustained winds are below 74 mph and becomes Hurricane Nolo at 74 mph or higher. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center publishes the current classification and forecast.
No, it covers Hali'i Kai, a gated oceanfront community inside Waikoloa Beach Resort on the Kohala Coast of Hawai'i Island. For island-wide conditions, follow Hawai'i County Civil Defense and the National Weather Service in Honolulu.