Looming storms leads Hawaii commuter air carrier to cancel inter-island flights

This image provided by NOAA taken Thursday Aug. 7, 2014 at 2 a.m. EDT shows Hurricane Iselle, left and Hurricane Julio. Iselle was supposed to weaken as it slowly trudged west across the Pacific. It didn't _ and now Hawaii is poised to take its first direct hurricane hit in 22 years. The center of Hurricane Iselle is expected to pass very near or over the Big Island Thursday night and just south of the smaller islands Friday. Some weakening is forecast during the next 48 hours however Iselle is still expected to be near hurricane strength as it impacts the Big Island. (AP Photo/NOAA) (The Associated Press)

People lounge on Waikiki's beaches in Honolulu on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2014. Hawaii residents prepared for what could be the first hurricane to hit the state in more than 20 years as weather officials said an approaching storm appears to have strengthened and will likely maintain its speed as it heads toward the islands. (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy) (The Associated Press)

Shonna Snodgrass of Stafford, Va., left and Gwen Johnson of Sacramento, Calif. show the "shaka" or hang-loose sign while enjoying the sun on Waikiki beach in Honolulu on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2014. Hawaii residents prepared for what could be the first hurricane to hit the state in more than 20 years. (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy) (The Associated Press)

A Hawaii inter-island commuter airline has canceled flights ahead of hurricanes bearing down on the state.

Island Air announced Thursday morning that afternoon flights serving Maui and Lanai have been canceled but flights serving Kauai will continue.

The airline is suspending all operations Friday but says a regular flight schedule is expected to resume Saturday.

The company is waiving reservation change fees and differences in fares for guests changing travel plans.

Hurricane Iselle is expected to reach Hawaii on Thursday night.

Tracking close behind it is Hurricane Julio, which strengthened early Thursday into a Category 2 storm.