Hawaii today: Kīlauea episode forecast window opens, Lahaina access expands, and Honolulu traffic faces telecom repairs

Hawaii enters the first December weekend with a mix of geologic vigilance and incremental recovery milestones. Scientists say the next short-lived episode of Kīlauea’s summit eruption is likely within days, Maui is preparing to expand public access around Lahaina Harbor and resume limited commercial operations later this month, and downtown Honolulu drivers are navigating lane closures tied to ongoing telecom repairs after a recent outage.

Kīlauea: next eruption episode likely Dec. 6–10

Volcano monitors report that deformation models and recent activity at Kīlauea’s summit vents point to a new eruption episode in the near term. The current eruption cycle—composed of brief, discrete bursts—has produced more than three dozen episodes since late 2024, with fountains that can vary from modest spattering to spectacular jets hundreds of feet high. The alert level remains elevated (WATCH/ORANGE), reflecting heightened unrest rather than a continuous, large-scale eruption.

What to know for visitors:

• Viewing is from designated areas only. The active vents sit within a closed zone inside Halemaʻumaʻu crater; safe, legal viewpoints exist along the caldera rim within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

• Air quality can change quickly. VOG (volcanic smog) and gas plumes shift with wind direction; people with respiratory conditions should check conditions frequently.

• Episodes are short. Recent eruptions have lasted from a few hours to several days; the summit may pause between bursts without warning.

Officials emphasize that timelines are forecasts and may shift; if activity ramps up earlier or later than the current window, updates will follow. Recent updates indicate a likely window centered on Dec. 7–8; details may evolve.

Lahaina recovery: daytime access near harbor and limited boat ops ahead

On Maui, authorities announced that certain county streets adjacent to Lahaina’s Small Boat Harbor will reopen for daytime public access beginning this month, a step aimed at easing mobility while long-term rebuilding continues. In a related milestone, the state has set Dec. 15 for the resumption of limited commercial boat operations at the harbor under strict parameters designed to protect cultural sites, manage safety, and coordinate with debris-removal work.

Key points for residents and visitors:

• Access hours and zones: Daytime-only openings will be paired with checkpoints and signage; night access remains restricted in sensitive areas.

• Business impact: Tour operators cleared to return must follow adjusted routes, reduced capacities, and noise/wake protocols.

• Community coordination: Cultural monitors and recovery crews retain priority; temporary closures can occur if conditions change.

These phased steps are intended to support jobs and restore a measure of normalcy while safeguarding ongoing recovery and heritage protection.

Honolulu: lane closures as telecom crews finish post-outage repairs

In downtown Honolulu, contractors working to reinforce infrastructure after a Dec. 1 phone and internet outage are continuing repairs that affect traffic on major corridors near the State Capitol. Crews are operating weekdays 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., overnight 6:30 p.m.–5:00 a.m., and around the clock on weekends, with intermittent lane closures that can occupy two lanes at a time. Officials expect work to wrap by Sunday, barring weather or unforeseen complications. Drivers should allow extra time, watch for flaggers, and consider alternate routes during peak midday and overnight windows.

Weather and surf: breezy trades returning; North Shore energy persists

Forecasters note that a dissipating front near Kauaʻi is giving way to locally breezy southeasterly winds and scattered windward showers, with leeward areas trendier for clear mornings and passing afternoon showers. Marine conditions remain dynamic: the early-winter surf season has already delivered outer-reef-size swells on Oʻahu’s North Shore this week, and while immediate heights may ease, another pulse is possible in the coming days. Always check the latest advisories before entering the water; sets at outer reefs can be significantly larger than at nearby beaches.

What’s on: marathon week, holiday lights, and community performances

As the islands shift into peak holiday mode, weekend calendars are busy:

• Honolulu Marathon week: Expo events and shakeout runs lead into race-day road closures and early-bird starts; plan travel accordingly if you’re near the course.

• City lights and parades: Multiple districts are hosting tree lightings and evening festivities; expect family crowds and parking constraints.

• Community music: Holiday band performances and choral programs are scheduled at malls and community centers across Maui and Oʻahu.

Schedules are subject to change; confirm times on the day of the event.

The week ahead in Hawaii

• Volcano watch: Daily updates from scientists will refine the Kīlauea forecast window; if eruption indicators spike, expect short-notice alerts and increased visitor traffic to the park.

• Lahaina operations: Agencies will finalize harbor access logistics ahead of the Dec. 15 commercial restart and monitor daytime street openings for safety and flow.

• Infrastructure wrap-up: Honolulu telecom repairs target a weekend finish; any extension will be announced with updated traffic plans.

• Weather pattern: Breezy trades and windward showers remain the baseline; keep an eye on north swell outlooks and any vog shifts if Kīlauea activity increases.

From molten lava on the Big Island to careful reopening steps in West Maui and lane cones in the capital, Hawaii’s early-December rhythm blends resilience with vigilance—reminders that the islands’ natural power and community recovery continue side by side.