Tourists on vacation in Hawaii this week may have an unexpected adventure upcoming: Hurricane Lane. This major category 4 hurricane is expected to make a turn towards the Hawaiian Islands this week.

While tourists in Waikiki have good shelter places, visitors in many remote regions and relying on non-concrete buildings on Hawaii Island, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Oahu and Kauai should be aware of a possibly dangerous situation. It’s important to understand and prepare. Tourists should know where shelter space is available. Hawaii visitors should be on high alert at this time.

The category 4 hurricane is located about 500 miles southeast Hawaii Island and 670 miles southeast of Honolulu. Lane has maximum sustained winds near 150 mph, an increase from 130 just hours ago today.

Hawaii authorities may issue a Hurricane watch as early as today.

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center predicts excessive rainfall associated with Lane could affect portions of the Hawaiian Islands from Wednesday into the weekend, leading to flash floods and mud slides. Depending on the direction of the storm more dangerous situations may be in the forecast for Hawaii.

Even if the storm has fewer effects it’s always better for our visitors to be safe than sorry, eTN publisher Juergen Steinmetz said.

Tourists and residents should know:

Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding.
- Evacuate if told to do so.
- Take refuge in a designated storm shelter, or an interior room for high winds.
Listen for emergency information and alerts.
Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.