It can happen. The image below shows all the hurricanes since the late 1800s to come within 200 miles of Hawaii (see https://www.coast.noaa.gov/hurricanes/):
As you can see, it's rare, but it happens! The strongest of these was Hurricane Iniki (http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/36315106/hurricane-iniki-quick-facts-about-hawaiis-most-powerful-storm), which impacted the island in 1992.
Currently, Hurricane Lane is threatening the state, and models have recently shifted to show a path near or over the islands. This is the current forecast from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center:
Lane is currently a very strong Category 4 storm (borderline Category 5) with 155 mph winds. It may weaken some before approaching the islands, but could still be a very dangerous system with the potential to bring storm surge, strong winds, and heavy rain to multiple islands.
If you have friends, family, or other interests in Hawaii, make sure they are prepared for the hurricane! Hopefully the worst will stay offshore, but a direct impact is possible, and bad weather is likely even if it doesn't directly hit.
The storm is well-observed, at least, and several of my colleagues from HRD are flying research missions into the storm:
https://twitter.com/NWSHonolulu/status/1031420462021128192
Feel free to let me know if you have any specific questions!
Andy
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