Hawaii Businesses Face Immediate Disruption as Storm System Triggers Statewide Weather Advisories

Executive Brief

A powerful storm system has arrived, bringing heavy rain and strong winds statewide, necessitating immediate protective measures for businesses. Tourism operators, agriculture, and property owners must secure assets and implement contingency plans to mitigate potential damage and operational downtime.

• Tourism Operators: Expect cancellations, flight delays, and potential property damage leading to revenue loss.
• Small Business Operators: Risk of property damage, supply chain disruptions, and staffing challenges.
• Agriculture & Food Producers: Threat of crop damage, livestock endangerment, and infrastructure damage.
• Real Estate Owners: Potential for property damage, increased insurance claims, and temporary vacancies.
• Action: Implement storm preparedness protocols immediately; assess insurance coverage.

The Change

A significant storm system has made landfall across the Hawaiian Islands, triggering widespread weather advisories including heavy rainfall, strong winds, and even snow at high elevations on Hawaii Island. As of February 7, 2026, the National Weather Service has issued watches and warnings for potential flash flooding, high surf, and damaging wind gusts, impacting all major islands. This is not a typical rain shower; the system is characterized by its broad reach and intensity, necessitating urgent review of operational continuity and safety protocols for businesses statewide.

Who's Affected

Tourism Operators

• Impact: Expect immediate flight cancellations and delays, leading to a surge in visitor cancellations and hotel rebookings. Tour operators may face mandatory suspensions of activities due to high surf, strong winds, and safety concerns. Vacation rental properties are at risk of damage from wind and heavy rain, potentially leading to extended vacancies and significant repair costs. Hospitality businesses should prepare for reduced foot traffic and potential staffing shortages if employees face transportation issues.
• Timeline: Immediate operational impacts and cancellations expected over the next 48-72 hours.

Small Business Operators

• Impact: Retail stores and restaurants face potential wind and water damage to premises and inventory. Supply chain disruptions due to road closures or port delays are probable, affecting inventory levels and service delivery. Staffing may be compromised as employees face travel difficulties or personal safety concerns.
• Timeline: Immediate physical risks to property and operational disruptions over the next 3-5 days.

Agriculture & Food Producers

• Impact: Farmers and ranchers face considerable risks, including crop damage from heavy rain and wind, potential flooding of fields and storage facilities, and livestock endangerment. Infrastructure such as irrigation systems, greenhouses, and processing facilities could be compromised by high winds and debris. Aquaculture operations are particularly vulnerable to damage from storm surge and high surf.
• Timeline: Immediate threats to crops, livestock, and infrastructure, with ongoing monitoring required for recovery.

Real Estate Owners

• Impact: Property owners, including landlords and commercial property managers, should anticipate potential damage from high winds, heavy rain, and flooding, leading to increased insurance claims and repair expenses. Rental properties may become temporarily uninhabitable, resulting in loss of rental income. Developers must reassess construction site safety and potential delays to ongoing projects.
• Timeline: Immediate risks of property damage, with extended impacts on habitability and repair timelines.

Second-Order Effects

This widespread storm event will create cascading impacts on Hawaii's interconnected economy. Heavy rains and flash flooding can damage agricultural lands, leading to reduced local food availability and potentially higher prices for produce in the short to medium term. Disruptions to inter-island transportation and port operations due to severe weather could exacerbate existing supply chain vulnerabilities, impacting the availability of goods for both consumers and businesses. For tourism, sustained cancellations or significant damage could lead to a dip in visitor arrivals, impacting the broader hospitality sector beyond immediate hotel and tour operations, potentially leading to reduced demand for related services and a temporary slowdown in job creation within the sector.

What to Do

Tourism Operators

• Action: Immediately activate your business's storm preparedness plan. Communicate proactively with guests regarding potential disruptions and cancellation policies. Secure outdoor furniture and equipment, and consider boarding up vulnerable windows. Review insurance policies for storm-related coverage and initiate claims promptly if damage occurs. Monitor airline and weather advisories closely.
• Timeline: Implement protective measures now and maintain vigilance for at least 72 hours.

Small Business Operators

• Action: Secure inventory and equipment, particularly in flood-prone or vulnerable areas. Ensure emergency contact information for staff is up-to-date and communicate operational status. If feasible and safe, consider offering flexible work arrangements or remote options for staff. Review insurance policies and document any damage immediately. Consider temporary closure if conditions pose a risk to staff or property.
• Timeline: Take immediate steps to protect assets and personnel now.

Agriculture & Food Producers

• Action: Implement measures to protect livestock, including moving them to secure shelters. Secure crops that can be harvested early or reinforced against wind damage. Inspect and reinforce irrigation systems, greenhouses, and outbuildings. For aquaculture, ensure containment systems are robust and monitor tide and surge forecasts rigorously. Document all damage for insurance and potential disaster relief claims.
• Timeline: Execute pre-storm protocols immediately.

Real Estate Owners

• Action: Inspect properties for potential vulnerabilities, such as clogged gutters or weak roofing. Secure loose exterior items that could become projectiles. Advise tenants of safety precautions and emergency procedures. Prepare for potential utility disruptions. Contact insurance providers to review coverage and understand the claims process for storm damage.
• Timeline: Take immediate preventative actions now and be prepared for post-storm damage assessment and repair.