Airlines are waiving flight change fees as Hurricane Madeline takes aim for the Hawaiian islands.
A hurricane warning was issued for the Big Island on Tuesday and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center expects the now Category 3 storm to make landfall early today.
Hawaiian Airlines customers with confirmed tickets to or from the Big Island on Wednesday or Thursday will get a free ticket change for an alternate flight through September 5.
Island Air is allowing passengers to make a free change for any other day until September 10.
National Weather Service meteorologist Chevy Chevalier expects Madeline to weaken when it hits land but will likely still be of hurricane strength.
Latest projections show the eye of the hurricane may just avoid The Big Island although residents have been told to take nothing for granted.
Schools are closed for the next two days and some will be used as temporary emergency shelters.
Residents have been urged to stock up on essential foods and the US Coast Guard said ships have been asked to leave Hilo Harbor and ride out the storm in sheltered waters.
