Hurricane Lala Reaches Hawaii Island: What Visitors Need to Know Right Now

Hawaii travel news can change quickly. Always confirm current details with official sources before making travel plans.

Latest update: Saturday, August 15, 2026, midday HST As of the latest National Hurricane Center advisory, Hawaii Island remains under a Hurricane Warning, while Maui County, Oahu, and Kauai are under Tropical Storm Warnings.

This is an active, fast moving situation, and warning status can change with each new advisory.

The short answer for travelers: Hurricane Lala is primarily impacting Hawaii Island (Big Island) right now. If you’re visiting another island, your trip is not automatically canceled, but you should monitor conditions and expect possible weather-related changes.

If you’re flying to Hawaii today or this weekend, here’s the fuller picture: Hawaii Island is facing the most serious impacts, with the rest of the islands now also under warnings rather than watches.

Hawaii is not one single destination.

The weather on the Big Island can be very different from Maui, Oahu, or Kauai at the same time, but all four are now taking this storm seriously.

Where Hurricane Lala Is Now

Hurricane Lala is approaching Hawaii Island from the south as a Category 1 storm, with the center of circulation expected to pass near the island Saturday, then track south of the remaining islands into Sunday.

If Lala makes landfall on Hawaii Island as a hurricane, it would be an extremely rare event.

Historical records indicate the last hurricane landfall on the Big Island was in 1871.

Whether or not it technically makes landfall, forecasters say the impacts will be significant either way.

What Each Island Should Know

Hawaii Island (Big Island)

Tropical storm conditions are already affecting parts of the island, with hurricane conditions possible as the storm passes near.

Rain is expected to get heavier through the day, with meaningful totals possible, including higher amounts at higher elevations. Forecast rainfall totals vary by location, so don’t assume one number applies everywhere on the island.

This kind of rain brings a real risk of flash flooding, mudslides, and landslides, especially in areas with steep terrain.

Thousands of Hawaiian Electric customers on the island were without power as of early Saturday, and some roads have been blocked by fallen trees.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park closed most areas Friday afternoon ahead of the storm.

If you’re on the Big Island right now, prioritize safety over sightseeing. Follow guidance from Hawaii County Civil Defense and avoid unnecessary travel during the worst conditions.

Maui County

Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe are under a Tropical Storm Warning, with conditions expected Saturday night. Maui County has started opening temporary evacuation points for residents who need them.

Expect heavy rain, strong wind, and rough surf, with flooding the main concern in low-lying and stream-fed areas.

Oahu

Oahu was upgraded from a Tropical Storm Watch to a Tropical Storm Warning this morning, with conditions possible Saturday night into Sunday.

Expect rain, wind, and dangerous ocean conditions, including rough surf.

Kauai

Kauai and Niihau were also upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning, with conditions possible Sunday.

Kauai still has the most lead time of any island, but the move from a watch to a warning is a sign this storm is being taken seriously statewide.

Are Hawaii Flights Being Delayed?

Yes. Flight disruptions are already affecting travel to and from Hawaii, especially flights involving Hawaii Island.

Hawaiian, Alaska, and Southwest have all issued cancellations, schedule changes, or waivers for travel through this weekend.

Other carriers, including American and United, have also put weather waivers in place. Airlines are advising travelers to check their flight status directly before heading to the airport rather than assuming anything.

What to do: Check your specific flight status directly with your airline right now if you’re traveling today. Don’t head to the airport without confirming your flight is still on.

Should You Cancel Your Hawaii Trip?

There’s no single answer here, because it depends on your island and your dates. Someone flying into Hilo today is dealing with an active hurricane situation.

Someone visiting Oahu next week is in a different situation, though even Oahu is now under a warning rather than a watch.

A few honest ways to think about it:

• If you’re on the Big Island right now or scheduled to fly there today, this is not a normal travel day. Stay in close contact with your airline and hotel, and prioritize safety over sightseeing.
• If you’re headed to Maui, Oahu, or Kauai this weekend, expect rain, wind, and rough surf. All three are now under warnings, not just watches.
• If your trip is next week or later, there’s no need to make any decisions yet. Keep an eye on updates as the weekend plays out.

My Advice If You’re Visiting Hawaii This Weekend

One thing I’ve learned after years of traveling to Hawaii is that visitors often treat the islands like one destination.

They’re not.

Right now, the Big Island is dealing with the most serious impacts while the other islands are bracing for what’s coming later today and tomorrow.

The best thing you can do is avoid making decisions based only on the word “hurricane” and instead look at your specific island, your dates, and the latest official updates.

If You’re Arriving After the Storm Passes

Don’t assume every attraction will reopen right away once the storm moves on.

Parks, trails, beaches, and tours may need time for cleanup and safety inspections after this much rain and wind.

If your trip starts a day or two after the storm passes, it’s worth double checking with specific attractions before you count on them being open.

What Visitors Should Do Today

• Check your airline’s flight status right now if you’re traveling today
• Contact your hotel, condo, or vacation rental about their storm procedures
• Check with any tours or activities you’ve booked, many are pausing during high surf or heavy rain
• If you’re on the Big Island, follow Hawaii County Civil Defense guidance and avoid unnecessary travel
• Sign up for local alerts if you’re already in Hawaii (ready.hawaii.gov has a sign-up link)
• Avoid ocean activities this weekend, even if the water looks calm, surf and currents can turn dangerous fast
• Stay off flooded roads, streambeds, and hiking trails in gulches
• Stay flexible and check official updates again through the day

A Hurricane Does Not Mean All of Hawaii Is Closed

Hawaii’s Governor declared a state of emergency Thursday, and the National Guard has been activated to support the response.

That sounds serious, and on the Big Island right now, it is. But it’s a precautionary and response step, not a sign the entire state has shut down.

Hawaii is a chain of islands, not one single place. A hurricane hitting the Big Island doesn’t mean Kauai is dealing with the same thing right now.

Conditions vary a lot from island to island, and even from one coast of an island to the other.

Planning a Hawaii trip? Use our Hawaii Reservation Checker to see which popular attractions require advance reservations before your visit.

FAQs

Is Hurricane Lala affecting Hawaii vacations?

Yes. Hawaii Island is facing the most serious impacts right now. Maui, Oahu, and Kauai are all under Tropical Storm Warnings, with conditions expected Saturday night into Sunday depending on the island.

Should I cancel my Hawaii trip because of Hurricane Lala?

It depends on your island and your travel dates. If you’re on the Big Island or flying there today, treat this as an active situation and stay in close contact with your airline and hotel. If your trip is to another island or further out, there’s no need to cancel anything yet.

Are Hawaii flights canceled because of Hurricane Lala?

Yes. Hawaiian, Alaska, and Southwest have all issued cancellations, schedule changes, or waivers, with Hawaii Island flights most affected. Check your specific flight directly with your airline.

Which Hawaii islands are affected by Hurricane Lala? Hawaii Island is under a Hurricane Warning. Maui County, Oahu, and Kauai are all under Tropical Storm Warnings as of Saturday morning.

Sources

Official sources

• National Hurricane Center advisory: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/HFOTCPCP2+shtml/141151.shtml
• Hawaii Emergency Management Agency: https://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/tropical-storm-lala/
• Hawaii Tourism Authority (Go Hawaii) visitor advisory: https://www.gohawaii.com/lala

Airline advisories

• Southwest Airlines travel advisory: https://www.southwest.com/travel-advisory/
• Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines shared travel advisories page: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/advisories/travel-advisories
• Alaska Airlines news update on Tropical Storm Lala: https://news.alaskaair.com/on-the-record/updates-on-tropical-storm-lala/

News coverage

• Hawaii News Now, hurricane conditions forecast Saturday: https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2026/08/15/tropical-storm-lala-forecast-bring-hurricane-conditions-hawaii-island-saturday/
• Hawaii News Now, flight cancellations: https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2026/08/15/dozens-flights-canceled-saturday-tropical-storm-lala-approaches/
• ABC News, Category 1 hurricane coverage: https://abcnews.com/US/tropical-storm-lala-forecast-impact-hawaiian-islands-weekend/story?id=135610026
• CBS News, warnings upgraded for Maui, Oahu, Kauai: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tropical-storm-lala-big-island-hawaii-hurricane-track/
• Big Island Now, historic landfall context: https://bigislandnow.com/2026/08/15/saturday-tropical-storm-lala-update-storm-was-less-than-200-miles-from-hilo-on-friday-night/