Hawaii has often dodged the path of hurricanes. Why did it see so many storms this summer?
Hawaii has experienced an unusual frequency of hurricanes this summer, including storms Lowell and Lala, which caused significant infrastructure damage. Experts attribute the increased risk to rising sea surface temperatures in the Pacific, which provide fuel for storms that typically dissipate before reaching the islands.
Why it matters
The shift in hurricane patterns near Hawaii serves as a tangible indicator of how climate change is altering weather risks in historically protected regions.
A satellite image by Noaa shows Hurricane Lowell near Hawaii on Tuesday, 8 September 2026. A satellite image by Noaa shows Hurricane Lowell near Hawaii on Tuesday, 8 September 2026. Hawaii Hawaii has often dodged the path of hurricanes. Why did it see so many storms this summer? Despite its location, the island chain has avoided the worst effects, but Hurricanes Lowell and Lala left a trail of damage this year
Prefer the Guardian on Google Hurricane Lowell surged near the Hawaiian Islands this week, leaving a trail of downed trees and power lines, crumbled roads, sunken boats and destroyed piers on the island of Kauai.
Residents were left to grapple not only with the damage, but the rising risks to the tropical archipelago as sea surface temperatures climb.
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