June 30, 2026

Hurricane season is underway, and Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha is already taking steps to prepare.

The 2026 hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, and forecasters are calling for an above-normal season in the Central Pacific. With El Niño conditions now established and the potential for a strong or even historic “Super” El Niño later this year, Hawaiʻi could experience hotter temperatures, increased drought conditions and a greater number of tropical cyclones entering the Central Pacific region.

While a more active season does not necessarily mean storms will directly impact Hawaiʻi, it does reinforce the importance of preparedness both at work and at home.

Kamehameha maintains a year-round approach to emergency preparedness and response. Our Crisis Management Team monitors weather conditions and works closely with the National Weather Service and emergency management partners across the pae ʻāina. If a storm has the potential to affect Hawaiʻi, we begin monitoring conditions well in advance and will provide timely updates and operational guidance to employees and families as needed.

To ensure you receive important updates during an emergency, please take a moment to verify that your contact information is current in KS systems.

Now is also a good time to review your household emergency plans:

• Prepare at least two weeks of emergency supplies for each member of your household, including food, water, medications and essential personal items.
• Review or create a family emergency plan, including communication methods, meeting locations and an out-of-state contact.
• Consider whether anyone in your household may need additional assistance during an emergency due to age, disability or medical needs.
• Know whether your home is located in an evacuation zone and where your household would go if evacuation becomes necessary.
• Keep important documents, identification, insurance information and financial records in a secure location, and store copies separately from the originals.
• Sign up for county and state emergency alerts to receive timely updates and instructions.

Additional preparedness resources are available through Ready.gov, the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency and county emergency management agencies statewide.

Preparedness is a shared responsibility. By taking steps now and staying informed throughout the season, we can help keep our campuses, workplaces and communities safe and resilient.