Monday, August 26, 2024 Hurricane Hone made its presence known on Hawaii’s Big Island over the weekend, passing within 60 miles of the island early Sunday. The storm brought heavy rain, knocked out power to thousands of residents, and caused disruptions across the island. Despite these challenges, the storm did not result in significant damage or injuries, according to local authorities.
However, the effects of such storms on the tourism and travel industry in Hawaii are profound, influencing both current and future travel plans. More than 20,000 customers on the Big Island were without electricity by Sunday afternoon, leaving a significant portion of the island’s population of approximately 206,000 in the dark. Mitch Roth, the mayor of Hawaii County, which includes the Big Island, confirmed that while there were no reports of major damage, the island faced numerous challenges.
Among these challenges were more than 20 road closures caused by flooding and downed trees. The disruptions impacted both residents and tourists, who found themselves dealing with unexpected delays and detours. Kazuo Todd, the fire chief for Hawaii County, reported that nearly 18 inches of rain had fallen around the volcanoes in the southern part of the island.
Despite the heavy rainfall, the island’s natural geography allowed water to drain quickly into the ocean, preventing more severe flooding. Forecasters warned that up to 20 inches of rain could still fall in certain areas as the storm conti.