Take a good look at the satellite loop above this post. The LLC is way west of Hawaii. It decoupled from the MLC. lt's the MLC that is making landfall on the island now. Center is near where my crosshairs are on the image below. This explains the sudden slow-down of the storm. It didn't slow down, it made landfall and is continuing west. It's the mid level center that is hanging way behind. Note the lower pressures on the west side of Hawaii.
You're right - that's really something....