HONOLULU (AP) — Tropical Storm Hone approached Hawaii's southern edges Saturday with gusty winds and heavy rains, and will cause flooding and storm damage on the Big Island over the weekend and increase the danger of wildfires on the drier sides of the islands.

The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning for Hawaii County, which incorporates your complete Big Island, in addition to a red flag warning for the leeward sides of all islands.

Hone, which implies “sweet and gentle” in Hawaiian, had peak sustained sustained winds of 65 mph (105 kph) early Saturday. It will likely strengthen right into a Category 1 hurricane because it passes near or south of the Big Island Saturday night into Sunday morning, in keeping with the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Hawaii's tourism authority told travelers it was still secure to go to the islands, but advisable people postpone outdoor activities.

“We do not advise visitors to cancel their trips,” the agency said in a press release.

Hone's center was about 260 miles (415 kilometers) east-southeast of Hilo and 470 miles (755 kilometers) east-southeast of Honolulu on Saturday morning.

The east and southeast of the Big Island could see 4 to 10 inches of rain. The island could experience sustained winds of 20 to 40 mph (32 to 64 km/h) and gusts of as much as 60 mph (97 km/h).

Dry air to the north of the storm will bring dry spells to the archipelago on Saturday and, together with strong winds, will increase the danger of wildfires. Much of the state is already experiencing unusual dryness or drought, in keeping with the U.S. Drought Monitor.

The weather service's “Red Flag” warning is in effect from 10 a.m. to six p.m. Saturday. It is issued when warm temperatures, very low humidity and stronger winds mix to extend the hearth danger. The winds are expected to be strongest where they blow from higher elevations, over headlands and thru passes, the hurricane center warned.

The situation is paying homage to the deadly wildfires on Maui last yr, which were fueled by hurricane-force winds. But the danger of wildfires on Hone is lower, said Laura Farris, a meteorologist with the Honolulu Weather Service.

The August 8, 2023, fire that burned the historic town of Lahaina was the worst wildfire within the United States in over a century. Strong winds, fueled partly by a hurricane that passed through southern Hawaii, fueled the flames that killed 102 people. Dry, overgrown grass and drought contributed to the hearth's spread.

The reason behind the Lahaina fire remains to be under investigation, but it surely is feasible that it was began by bare power lines and leaning power poles that were toppled by the high winds.

Behind Hone, Category 2 Hurricane Gilma moved westward across the Pacific. However, it is anticipated to weaken over cooler waters in the approaching days because it encounters drier air. It is anticipated to change into a tropical depression by Wednesday. Gilma could bring rain to Hawaii, but it surely will not be yet clear how much, Farris said.

I floated on my back through the vast saltwater lagoon of the Grand Hyatt Kauai. Carried along by the semi-salty water, I watched the palm fronds swaying above me within the trade winds, silhouetted against the blue Pacific sky. As a deep, out-of-body feeling of rest washed over me and time looked as if it would decelerate, I believed: Can it really get any higher?

In Hawaii, many resorts go above and beyond to create stunning pool environments and experiences. Whether you're lounging on a lounger within the water, being treated like Hollywood royalty in a non-public cabana, floating in slow motion down a lazy river, or floating on the sting of an infinity pool while having fun with a Hawaiian sunset, your pool experiences might be a few of the most unforgettable highlights of a Hawaii vacation.

If you're within the mood for a Hawaiian-style poolside pampering, listed below are a few of my favorite resorts within the Hawaiian Islands. No matter which poolside paradise you select, do not forget that Hawaii's magic goes far beyond the resorts. Be sure to take the time to explore the islands' stunning beaches, hike through lush rainforests, experience the wealthy local culture, and splash in a few of the natural pools—we've got suggestions for those below, too.

Kauai

The Grand Hyatt Kauai's massive pool complex, with its palm-lined terraces and lushly planted oases, has something for everybody, including an extended lazy river and a big, splendidly relaxing saltwater lagoon just feet from Shipwreck Beach and ocean surf. Details: hyatt.com

Also in Poipu, Koloa Landing Resort has won USA Today's “Best Pool in America” ​​award several years in a row. An enormous waterfall cascading over a rock arch is the centerpiece of the major pool, but my favorite watery escape on the resort is the secluded adult pool and hot tub, that are positioned away from the busy major pool complex. Details: www.koloalandingresort.com

Maui

Located within the Ka'anapali resort area of ​​West Maui, the Westin Maui Resort & Spa's lush pool complex is just feet from the beach and includes an adult-only pool on the upper terrace and a lower pool with a waterslide that's popular with kids and adults alike. An adult infinity pool includes a sandy bottom that's perfect for wiggling your toes while sipping a tropical drink from the nearby poolside bar. Details: westinmaui.com

At the opposite end of the major stretch of Ka'anapali Beach, the pool on the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa is longer than a football field and has two swimming areas connected by a river. You can float between them, past waterfalls and tropical trees, plants and flowers. At one end is a family area with a slide and a shallow section for youngsters. The other end has cabanas and a bar and is geared toward adults.

Located between the pool and the beach, the Cliff Dive Grill offers prime spots for the spectacular sunset torchlight ceremony and cliff diving ceremony on the promontory called Pu'u Kekaa (also generally known as Black Rock). Details: sheraton-maui.com

In South Maui, Wailea Beach Resort has several pools, including the tranquil Maluhia Infinity Pool overlooking the favored Wailea Shoreline Trail and the brand new Olakino Wellness Pool (reservations required), where poolside offerings include mini massages, wellness workshops, and wellness-themed drinks and food.

Don't miss the resort's Nalu Adventure Pool, which features the tallest waterslides in Hawaii – a top attraction for thrill-seekers who love speedy descents down two slippery tubes. Details: www.waileabeachresort.com

Next door, the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, tempts thrill-seekers with the Lava Tube Slide and its exhilarating three-story drop at speeds of as much as 22 miles per hour. The sprawling resort complex offers several pools, including the thrilling Wailea Canyon River Ride. Ride a raft down the twists, turns, and waterfalls—a surefire method to cool off and get your adrenaline pumping. Details: www.grandwailea.com

Oahu

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, positioned on Ko Olina Bay, is where Disney magic meets Hawaii. Aulani's pool complex offers family-oriented swimming and water play areas, from the whimsical water fountain wonderland of Menehune Bridge to the 4,000-square-foot Rainbow Reef, a non-public lagoon where you may swim with ocean fish. An infinity pool and multiple hot tubs are perfect for parental rest and rest.

Kids will love the lazy river, the Keiki Cove Splash Zone with its water jets and slides, or the more elaborate 200-square-foot Menehune Bridge Splash Zone and the prospect to satisfy Disney characters. Adults can calm down within the adults-only pool or unwind in a hot tub. Details: disneyaulani.com

The Sheraton Waikiki Helumoa Playground offers two pools, two hot tubs, a waterslide and a fountain play area for youths, all right next to the ocean and Waikiki Beach. There are 17 lounge chairs within the water. And in the summertime – Tuesday through Saturday at noon – Citrine the Mermaid, the Tinker Fairy, the Spider Superhero, the Polynesian Princess, the Polynesian Warrior or one other costumed character entertains the youngsters with storytelling, games and tricks. Details:
marriott.com/hotels/travel/hnlws-sheraton-waikiki

Island of Hawaii

The swim-up bar at Palm Grove Pool is a well-liked alternative for in-water drinks, an ideal place to benefit from the view of the countless blue Pacific or take a dip. Details: fourseasons.com/hualalai

Hilton Waikoloa Village has several pools, each with its own charm. The jewel of the resort is a swimmable, 4-acre saltwater lagoon connected to the ocean. It teems with tropical fish and green sea turtles that access the lagoon under a pedestrian bridge, offering snorkelers the prospect to see a wide range of Hawaii's colourful underwater inhabitants up close. The quieter Kohala Lagoon Pool offers a swim-up bar and a ravishing lava rock waterfall, while Kona Pool features the thrilling 175-foot Kona Crater Slide. Details: hilton.com

Natural pools

The Hawaiian Islands are also home to quite a few waterfalls and natural pools. For example, Waimea Valley on Oahu is home to a 730-hectare valley with a natural pool fed by freshwater springs. It is ideal for a refreshing swim surrounded by rushing waterfalls and tropical flora. Details: www.waimeavalley.net

Join a five-hour guided adventure on Kauai that begins with a kayak ride on the wide, calm Wailua River, followed by a hike through lush jungle to the secluded Uluwehi Falls and an unforgettable swim within the pool beneath the falls. Details: Kayakkauai.com

Originally published: July 29, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.