Hawaii was pummeled over the past two weeks by two weather systems called Kona low storms -- which usually approach from the west and pull moisture from the south - that caused severe flash flooding in some parts of the state.
But skies have since cleared, and the National Weather Service reports that the Islands have returned to typical trade wind weather.
Even so, recovery is ongoing across the state with communities cleaning up damaged homes, businesses and roads after the flooding, and visitors are encouraged to be mindful of impacted areas and sensitive to ongoing recovery efforts.
"Molokai experienced some of the most significant impacts from this recent kona low," said Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen in a March 25 update, noting that crews are still removing mud and debris. Lahaina, Iao Valley and South Maui are also recovering.
On Oahu, Honolulu County Mayor Rick Blangiardi urged visitors to avoid entering the North Shore towns of Waialua and Haleiwa, warning that "unnecessary travel" was causing traffic congestion and creating safety hazards for work crews.
Hawaii Tourism Authority: Conditions improving
The Hawaii Tourism Authority has maintained that travel plans do not need to change, and it continued to offer the same guidance.
"Conditions continue to improve across Hawaii, with most visitor services operating and most areas and attractions are either reopened or reopening," it said March 24.
Caroline Anderson, the interim president and CEO of the authority, advised that visitors check with airlines, hotels and activity providers for the latest updates, but she reiterated that there was "no reason" to cancel or postpone travel. "That's especially true for travel later this week and beyond," she said.
Another thing to keep an eye on is brown water advisories, a result of ocean contamination from runoff after heavy rain. As of March 25, they were still in effect for the islands of Oahu, Kauai and Maui and parts of Hawaii island.
"The Hawaii Department of Health advises people to avoid swimming, wading or other water contact when the water looks brown, murky or cloudy," a spokesperson for the Hawaii Tourism Authority said, adding to check in with lifeguards to get the latest information on potential beach hazards.
Before heading to the beach, visitors can also check the water quality on the Department of Health's Clean Water Branch's website or from organizations such as Surfrider Foundation.
What's opened, what's closed in Hawaii
As conditions continue to improve across the Islands, more popular visitor destinations have reopened.
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has reopened sections of the park, including the Welcome Center, Nahuku lava tube, Kilauea Iki Trail and Chain of Craters Road to the coast. Volcano House, Volcano Art Center Gallery and parts of Kilauea Military Camp are also open. Visitors should check the park website for updates.
At Haleakala National Park, the Kipahulu District located past Hana has reopened, while the Summit District remains closed. The latest updates can be found here.
Most city parks and botanical gardens have reopened, including Hanauma Bay. State parks, such as Iao Valley State Monument and Waianapanapa State Park on Maui, are closed. The Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources updates its website regularly with closure information.
For visitors interested in helping residents affected by the floods, Anderson recommended supporting local businesses during their stay or donating to the Hawaii Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Stronger Hawaii or the Hawaii Community Foundation.