HAWAII residents already reeling from months of explosive eruptions from the Kilauea volcano are bracing for Hurricane Lane, which is bearing down on the US island chain with high winds and lashing rains and the potential to trigger flooding and landslides.

Though the hurricane weakened slightly as it spun across the Pacific Ocean it remains a Category 4 storm, the second-strongest on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale of wind intensity, according to the US Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

“The centre of Lane will track dangerously close to the islands Thursday through Saturday,” the centre said in an advisory.

Camera Icon Hurricane Lane as it nears Hawaii. Credit: AFP, Ricky Arnold/ NASA/AFP

“Life threatening impacts are likely in some areas as the hurricane makes its closest approach.”

Lane was about 505km south of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, US forecasters said.

It was expected to begin a turn toward the northwest of the island late on Wednesday (local time), followed by a turn to the north-northwest on Thursday (local time).

Camera Icon Hurricane Lane as a powerful category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 250km per hour. Credit: AP, NASA via AP

Packing 250km per hour winds, the storm could dump as much as 50cm of rain over parts of the archipelago, triggering major flash flooding and landslides, according to the National Weather Service.

“The president is deeply concerned for the wellbeing of all Hawaiians and has directed FEMA and administration officials to remain in close co-ordination with the state of Hawaii and stand ready to support them in whatever they need,” White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters.

Camera Icon Contractor David Meyer pushes a plywood board into place over a window in preparation of the approaching strong winds of Hurricane Lane. Credit: AP

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said it on its website that it was closely monitoring the progress of the storm.

Hawaii’s public schools will be closed for the rest of the week in anticipation of the powerful hurricane.

The state Department of Education says schools are expected to re-open on Monday.

Many schools are used as emergency shelters.

Camera Icon Lines form at a gas station before the arrival of the hurricane in Honolulu. Credit: AP, Craig T. Kojima/Honolulu Star-Advertiser via AP

Maui County shelters are preparing to open while shelters.

Because of Hurricane Lane’s arrival, state workers are being told to stay home for the rest of the week, unless they are essential employees

US Navy ships and submarines based in Hawaii were instructed to leave port, a common practice as a hurricane approaches to avoid potential damages.

Hawaii Governor David Ige issued an emergency proclamation for the storm and said state offices and public and charter schools would be closed until further notice.

US President Donald Trump yesterday took to Twitter to urge those in the hurricane’s line of fire to heed the advice of experts.

People rushed to stock up on essentials yesterday.

Some customers were buying cases of bottled water at Island Grocery Depot in Kahului, Maui, manager Brian Arakaki said.

Hawaiian Airlines waived change fees for tickets to, from, within and through Hawaii from Tuesday through Sunday.

“People are getting ready, which is exactly what we want,” Maui County spokesman Rod Antone said.

Camera Icon The approach of Hurricane Lane didn't affect Waikiki Beach as it was packed with people during the early evening as the sun set in Honolulu on Tuesday. Credit: AP, Dennis Oda/Honolulu Star-Advertiser via AP

He reminded people to have emergency kits ready and to “withdraw cash. Remember, if the power goes out, ATMs aren’t going to be working.”

The most powerful storm on record hitting Hawaii was Hurricane Iniki, a Category 4 that made landfall on Kauai island on September 11, 1992, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

It killed six people and damaged or destroyed more than 14,000 homes.