Rising COVID-19 cases in Hawaii prompt health officials to call for increased caution
Hawaii is currently experiencing a rise in COVID-19 cases, with the test positivity rate reaching 12.4% as of July 19, 2025, according to the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH). This is an increase from the previous week's rate of 10.9%.
New case averages have increased across all islands, indicating a shift to a medium activity level of virus circulation, higher than historical trends. The rise in cases is being driven by two emerging variants, NB.1.8.1 (also known as Nimbus) and XFG (nicknamed Stratus).
NB.1.8.1’s prevalence is declining, while the XFG variant is rapidly increasing and is expected to become dominant. Both variants do not appear to cause more severe illness than earlier strains. Symptoms remain similar, including cough, sore throat, fever, and fatigue, and hospitalization and death rates continue to decline relative to prior years.
In response to the rising cases, the DOH is urging people to exercise caution and follow preventive measures. The key recommendations include vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older, especially high-risk groups such as young children, immunocompromised individuals, older adults, pregnant women, and healthcare workers.
The CDC also recommends the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine for adults 18+, especially those 65 and older or at higher risk. The DOH is planning to update its COVID-19 dashboard with additional features soon, and it is important for individuals to consult their healthcare providers for vaccine dosing and personal risk assessment.
The DOH COVID-19 dashboard had a gap in data viewable to the public over the past few weeks, but the weekly average of COVID patients hospitalized, at 20, has not been updated since June 11. Wastewater concentration levels for COVID have been "very high" in Hawaii, indicating that the virus is circulating at higher levels than expected based on historic trends.
The rise in cases in Hawaii is not unique, as more than 25 states in the U.S. are experiencing a rising number of COVID cases. Hawaii is one of 10 states where COVID cases are definitely growing, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The World Health Organization is monitoring both new variants, and the DOH reminds the public to take reasonable precautions to avoid getting sick. Tim Brown, an infectious diseases expert, reported that cases on Oahu rose from 25 a day last week to 40 a day this week.
In summary, Hawaii is experiencing a moderate rise in COVID-19 cases driven by the XFG variant. The government and health experts recommend vaccination and cautious behavior to mitigate spread, particularly among vulnerable groups. It is important for individuals to consult their healthcare providers and stay informed through reliable sources, such as the DOH's COVID-19 dashboard.
- As the XFG variant continues to increase in Hawaii, mental health became a crucial aspect of health-and-wellness, with therapies-and-treatments focusing on managing stress and anxiety related to the pandemic.
- In the midst of the COVID-19 surge, medical-conditions unrelated to the virus, such as heart disease and diabetes, should not be overlooked, highlighting the importance of continued medical check-ups and care.
- With the rise in COVID-19 cases, the use of CBD as a holistic approach to manage symptoms and improve overall health-and-wellness gained popularity, though more research is needed to truly understand its benefits in the context of the virus.
