It’s Friday, but we’ve decided not to post our usual, happy-go-lucky Aloha Friday Photo as there’s some tragic news to share today.
Helicopter Crash near Kalalau Beach on Kauai
Yesterday afternoon, a helicopter operated by Airborne Aviation crashed near Kalalau Beach. The helicopter was carrying a pilot and four passengers. Sadly, the crash resulted in three fatalities, with two others transported to Wilcox Medical Center for treatment. We send our thoughts and prayers for all affected by this tragedy.
Strong Kona Storms Hit Hawaii
In back-to-back weeks, unusually strong Kona storms pummeled the Hawaiian Islands with rain and wind. Per Hawaii News Now (HNN) during the first Kona storm, five-day rainfall totals measured up to 44 inches in Kula on Maui. To put that amount of rain in perspective, that’s around the average annual rainfall levels for New York City, Chicago, and Dallas. See the following graphic from HNN for rainfall totals in other areas from the first Kona storm.
Wind speeds were exceptionally high as well. The mountain summits felt the brunt of the gusts with wind speeds measured over 100mph. The following graphic from HNN shows some of the highest gusts measured.
The intensity and close timing of these two Kona storms is highly unusual. Typically Hawaii only experiences one or two Kona storms per year and they are rarely as brutal as the two that just occurred.
As you might imagine with that much wind and rain, sadly, there was flooding and damage to homes, businesses, and roads. For some examples, take a glance through the County of Maui’s Facebook posts.
Now that the storms have passed, cleanup is underway. Hawaii is open to visitors. For the latest advisories, see this GoHawaii page.
Hawaii Vacation Deals
Maui Deals
- Travelzoo has a great deal for Royal Lahaina in Maui that runs from April through June. The lowest rates range from around $278 to $299 per night. The deal also includes daily breakfast buffet for two, a $100 resort credit and admission to The Myths of Maui luau. Learn more here.
- Costco Travel has a hotel and car package for Hyatt Regency Maui Resort that includes daily breakfast buffet for four, $400 resort credit, waived daily resort fees, and more. Learn more at this link.
Hawaii (Big) Island Deals
- Costco Travel has a hotel and car package for The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort that includes daily breakfast buffet for two. Learn more here.
Sheila Beal
