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A second hurricane just sideswiped Hawaii – why the islands’ usual force field seems to be down in 2026

<name>Nicholas Grondin, Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies, University of Tampa</name> <foaf:homepage rdf:resource="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nicholas-grondin-1047350"/>· 9 septembre 2026

A satellite closeup of Hurricane Lowell on Sept. 8, 2026, after it passed just west of Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands. NASA The Hawaiian Islands rarely see significant hurricane damage , but they just experienced the effects of their second hurricane in a year as Hurricane Lowell’s eyewall brushed N…

Résumé

Hawaii's rare storms

Hawaiian Islands rarely experience significant hurricane damage, despite their tropical location.

Historically, only a few notable storms have directly impacted the islands, such as Hurricanes Dot (1959), Iwa (1982), Iniki (1992), and Lane (2018).

For example, Hurricane Iniki caused 145 mph wind gusts that damaged about 70% of Kauai’s homes and businesses and over 550 buildings on Oahu.

The islands’ small size and the presence of cooler ocean waters to the east typically act as a shield, weakening hurricanes before they reach land.

However, in 2026, the islands experienced two hurricanes in quick succession: Hurricane Lala in August and Hurricane Lowell in September, both bringing hurricane-force winds and heavy damage.

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