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Skip fall foliage and chase sunshine at these tropical escapes

Skip fall foliage and chase sunshine at these tropical escapes

Smaller crowds, lower prices and warm weather make these tropical destinations ideal fall escapes for travelers chasing summer.

Salt Point State Park Offers Diverse Coastal and Forest Experiences in Sonoma

Salt Point State Park Offers Diverse Coastal and Forest Experiences in Sonoma

Salt Point State Park in Sonoma, California, provides a rich array of natural experiences across six miles of rugged coastline and diverse inland landscapes. The park features kelp-dotted coves, steep bluffs, sandstone cliffs, forested hills, pristine prairies, a pygmy forest, and an underwater park. Visitors can engage in various activities including picnicking, hiking across 20+ miles of trails, horseback riding, skin and scuba diving, fishing, and camping. The park's weather can be unpredictable, with cool temperatures and fog common even in summer, necessitating layered clothing. Special event permits are required for activities beyond normal recreation, such as large gatherings or events that charge fees, interfere with public use, or require additional staffing. The park also has specific regulations regarding drones, which are not permitted on State Park property.

Permit System for The Wave in Coyote Buttes North Requires Advance Planning and Strict Adherence to Regulations

Permit System for The Wave in Coyote Buttes North Requires Advance Planning and Strict Adherence to Regulations

Access to The Wave in Coyote Buttes North, a geological formation, is strictly controlled by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) through a permit system. Only 64 individuals are allowed entry per day, with permits divided between an advance online lottery (48 people) and a daily online lottery (16 people). Demand significantly surpasses availability, especially during peak seasons like April, May, September, and October, when hundreds apply for the limited daily permits. The hike to The Wave is a six-mile round trip with no marked trail, necessitating navigation skills using a map, compass, or GPS. Visitors are strongly advised against hiking alone, and five fatalities, primarily heat-related, have occurred in the past five years. The BLM provides a map with permits and instructions, and some cairns are present along the route. The daily permit application process requires applicants to be within a geofenced area in Northern Arizona/Southern Utah and use a mobile device with GPS enabled.

Hurricane Nolo Brings Rain, Winds to Hawaii

Hurricane Nolo Brings Rain, Winds to Hawaii

Hurricane Nolo is approaching the Big Island of Hawaii, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential flash flooding. The system is expected to strengthen as it moves northward through Friday night, with deeper moisture increasing rainfall across the Big Island and Maui. Trade winds are gusting between 15-25 mph, with localized gusts reaching 40 mph. A High Surf Advisory is in effect for east-facing shores of Molokai, Maui, and the Big Island due to large waves. Tropical Storm and Hurricane Watches and Warnings are active for various parts of the islands, including the Big Island and Maui County.

Hawaii Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity Passes Interim Import Rules for Maui and Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi Rules Expire

Hawaii Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity Passes Interim Import Rules for Maui and Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi Rules Expire

The Hawaii Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity (BAB) has approved one-year interim import restrictions for Maui and Lānaʻi to combat the spread of the invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB). These rules restrict the movement of live plants, decomposing materials like mulch, coconut fruit, and other 'CRB host material' to these islands from other parts of the state. Exemptions were made for certain orchids, bromeliads, and anthuriums after local growers argued they do not typically carry the beetle. However, similar interim rules for Molokaʻi expired, leaving the island without import restrictions. Community and environmental leaders expressed frustration, stating that they had warned the board about the impending expiration and that the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB) claimed interim rules cannot be renewed without substantive changes, a claim disputed by testifiers.

Hurricane Nolo Threatens Hawaii with Torrential Rain and Flooding

Hurricane Nolo Threatens Hawaii with Torrential Rain and Flooding

Hurricane Nolo, currently moving over the Pacific Ocean, is expected to intensify into a major Category 4 hurricane by the weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). As of Friday morning, the storm had maximum sustained winds of 85 mph and was moving at a slow pace of 5 mph. Nolo is forecasted to bring heavy rainfall, with totals ranging from 10 to 25 inches in many areas and up to 2 feet in some locations. The Big Island of Hawaii is under a hurricane watch, indicating that hurricane conditions are possible within 24 to 36 hours. Maui is under a tropical storm watch and could experience up to 10 inches of rain. The storm's slow movement and heavy rainfall pose significant risks of flooding and mudslides, particularly in steep terrain.

Hurricane Nolo Brings Flooding Threat to Hawaii

Hurricane Nolo Brings Flooding Threat to Hawaii

Hurricane Nolo is currently located approximately 220 miles south of Hawaii's Big Island and is moving northeast, with tropical storm conditions expected to begin Friday evening (Source time: not specified). The U.S. National Hurricane Center has warned of potentially catastrophic and life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas of steep terrain. Rainfall totals of 15 to 30 inches are expected, with some areas possibly receiving up to 35 inches. Nolo's maximum sustained winds were recorded at 85 mph on Friday morning, and the storm is forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane by Saturday. While the hurricane is not expected to make direct landfall, its effects will be felt across the Big Island and other Hawaiian islands, including Maui.

Essential Gear for Stand-Up Paddleboarding Includes Paddle, PFD, and Leash

Essential Gear for Stand-Up Paddleboarding Includes Paddle, PFD, and Leash

Essential Gear for Stand-Up Paddleboarding Includes Paddle, PFD, and Leash

Hurricane Nolo Threatens Hawaii with Heavy Rainfall and Flooding

Hurricane Nolo Threatens Hawaii with Heavy Rainfall and Flooding

Tropical Storm Nolo is expected to intensify into a hurricane by Thursday night, posing a significant threat to Hawaii. The storm is forecast to pass within 200 miles of the Big Island's southern shore, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds. Rainfall totals could reach up to 35 inches in some areas, particularly on the windward and southeast sides of Hawaii Island. A flood watch has been issued for Hawaii, Maui, and Molokai, with emergency officials warning of catastrophic flooding. The storm's slow movement and interaction with high-pressure systems are expected to exacerbate rainfall intensity. Schools, government offices, and shelters are being prepared as the state braces for the storm's impact.

Tropical Storm Nolo Threatens Hawaii With Catastrophic Floods

Tropical Storm Nolo Threatens Hawaii With Catastrophic Floods

Tropical Storm Nolo, recently named on September 23, 2026, is intensifying south of Hawaii and is expected to reach hurricane strength by September 24. The storm is forecast to bring heavy rainfall, with potential for 'catastrophic flooding' in the eastern Hawaiian Islands, particularly the Big Island and Maui. As of 11 a.m. HT (5 p.m. EDT) on September 23, Nolo was located 310 miles south of South Point, Hawaii, with sustained winds of 40 mph, moving west-northwest at 6 mph. A hurricane watch has been issued for the Big Island, and the storm is expected to pass approximately 100 miles south-southeast of the island late on September 25, with sustained winds of 110 mph, just below Category 3 strength. The National Weather Service has also issued a flood watch for the Big Island, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe through September 26.

Hurricane Watch Issued as Nolo Approaches Hawaii

Hurricane Watch Issued as Nolo Approaches Hawaii

Tropical Storm Nolo, currently located approximately 350 miles south of Hilo, Hawaii, is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane as it moves northward toward the Big Island. The system is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding to the region starting Thursday night and continuing through the weekend. Rainfall totals could reach 20-30 inches on the Big Island, with isolated amounts up to 35 inches, and 10-15 inches on Maui. A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the Big Island and surrounding waters, while a Flood Watch has been issued for Maui County and the Big Island. Breezy trade winds and scattered showers are already impacting the islands, with gusts up to 35 knots reported in some areas.

Tropical Depression 15-E Threatens Hawaii with Flooding

Tropical Depression 15-E Threatens Hawaii with Flooding

Tropical Depression Fifteen-E has redeveloped near the Hawaiian Islands and is forecast to approach the Big Island as a major hurricane this weekend. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned of potential catastrophic, life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas with steep terrain. Currently located about 300 miles south-southeast of the Big Island, the system is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Nolo later today due to favorable environmental conditions. Sustained winds are currently at 35 mph (56 km/h), and the system is tracking west but is forecast to turn sharply north toward the islands on Thursday. Rainfall totals of 15–20 inches (38–51 cm) are expected across the Big Island, with localized areas receiving up to 35 inches (89 cm). Maui could also see 5–10 inches (13–25 cm) of rain, increasing the risk of flash flooding.