The highest peaks on Hawai‘i Island are in the crosshairs this evening, with a High Wind Warning in effect for the Big Island summits through 6 p.m. HST (Feb. 22). Forecasters are calling for sustained winds in the 50 to 60 mph range, with gusts roaring up to 70 mph. Anyone heading above the tree line should expect dangerous conditions, including blowing debris, sudden loss of control on exposed roads, and potential damage to anything left unsecured. Officials are strongly urging residents and visitors to put off any nonessential trips to the mountaintops until the winds back off.
The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency sounded the alarm on X, flagging the high wind threat and reminding people that real emergencies still belong to 9-1-1. As Hawaii Emergency Management Agency notes, its social media accounts are not monitored around the clock, so anyone in immediate danger should call emergency services instead of waiting on a reply in the comments.
Where winds will be strongest
The warning covers summit zones above 8,000 feet, including Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, where there is little shelter and conditions can flip from calm to hazardous in a hurry. According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, winds at these speeds can make travel difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles, and can kick up debris and cause structural damage.
Recent summit conditions
Saturday did not offer much of a break on the mountaintops. Local reporting showed freezing fog and an icy mix coating summit roads, slashing visibility and making travel treacherous. As reported by Big Island Now, webcams captured stretches of near-zero visibility, and a winter weather advisory was extended earlier in the day as conditions dragged on.
What residents and visitors should do
Officials are keeping the message simple: if you do not absolutely need to be on the summit, stay away until conditions improve. They recommend postponing nonessential trips to high-elevation areas, securing loose outdoor items that could turn into airborne projectiles, and using extra caution if you must drive in exposed locations. As advised by Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, emergencies should go straight to 9-1-1, not into a social media inbox.
Where to get updates
Watches and warnings will be adjusted as the weather shifts, so anyone with plans near the summits should keep an eye on official forecasts and local media for access changes. For real-time hazard maps and detailed forecast statements, see the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
