Tropical Storm Lala Is Moving Past Hawaii. Here’s What Travelers Need to Know Right Now

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

Latest update: Sunday, August 16, 2026, approximately 10:30 AM HST Based on National Hurricane Center Advisory 17A (8:00 AM HST) and Hawaii Emergency Management Agency alerts issued this morning. The next complete NHC advisory is at 11:00 AM HST.

The Tropical Storm Warning for Hawaii Island has been discontinued.

Hawaii County is no longer under any warning.

The storm has moved west and is now about 75 miles southwest of Honolulu. Tropical storm conditions are ongoing across Maui County and Oahu, and are now deteriorating across Kauai County.

Maui County, Oahu, and Kauai County remain under Tropical Storm Warnings. Flash Flood and Flood Advisories are in effect across several islands.

The short answer for travelers: Lala has moved away from Hawaii Island, where the Tropical Storm Warning has been lifted.

Oahu is now dealing with significant heavy rain and a Flash Flood Warning through noon, while conditions continue to worsen around Kauai.

Tropical storm conditions, flooding, dangerous surf, and travel disruptions remain concerns across parts of the state.

Where Tropical Storm Lala Is Now

As of 8:00 AM HST Sunday, the center of Tropical Storm Lala was located approximately 190 miles west-northwest of Kailua-Kona and about 75 miles southwest of Honolulu, moving northwest at 14 mph.

Maximum sustained winds have decreased to 65 mph. The storm is expected to turn westward soon and then continue on a westward track through Tuesday night.

The storm center is forecast to pass south of Kauai County today, then move south of the easternmost Northwestern Hawaiian Islands early next week.

Slight additional weakening is possible during the next day or so. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles from the center.

What Each Island Should Know

Hawaii Island (Big Island)

The Tropical Storm Warning for Hawaii County has been discontinued as of the 8:00 AM advisory. Lala has moved well to the west.

The immediate wind threat has passed for the Big Island.

However, the NHC advisory still forecasts an additional 1 to 3 inches of rainfall for windward portions of the Big Island, and storm total rainfall for the windward Big Island could reach 30 to 35 inches.

That accumulated rainfall means flash flooding, mudslides, and road damage remain real hazards even as the storm pulls away.

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

The NPS August 13 release stated that park staff would assess conditions and reopen areas when safe.

No official update has confirmed a reopening. Check nps.gov/havo before visiting.

Several national historical parks on the Big Island remain closed until further notice: Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, and Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site.

Hilo International Airport and Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport were both closed Saturday due to the storm.

The official Hawaii Airports website does not confirm current Sunday operating status.

Check airports.hawaii.gov and verify directly with your airline before heading to either Big Island airport.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation advised staying off roads as much as possible

On the Big Island, even with the storm warning lifted, flooded roads and storm debris remain a hazard.

Maui County

Tropical storm conditions are ongoing across Maui. The NHC advisory forecasts an additional 1 to 3 inches of rainfall on windward Maui.

Molokai and Lanai, both part of Maui County, have active Flood Advisories as of late morning. Molokai’s advisory is in effect until 11:30 AM HST. Lanai’s advisory is in effect until 11:45 AM HST.

Haleakala National Park was closed Saturday. No official NPS release confirming Sunday status has been found. Check nps.gov/hale before visiting.

Oahu

Tropical storm conditions and heavy rain continue across Oahu late Sunday morning.

A Flash Flood Warning has been extended until noon HST, making flooding the most immediate concern for visitors.

A wind gust of 67 mph was also recorded earlier this morning at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe.

Storm surge of 1 to 2 feet above ground is possible along coastal areas. The NHC warns of life-threatening surf and rip current conditions statewide.

Stay out of the ocean.

TheBus resumed service at 8:00 AM Sunday following Saturday’s suspension due to Tropical Storm Lala.

Officials warn that full service may take two hours or more to restore and some trips may still be missed.

All City and County of Honolulu parks and botanical gardens are closed until further notice.

Hanauma Bay is also closed through August 19, though that closure is related to previously scheduled construction and is not tied to the storm.

Kauai

Conditions continue to deteriorate across Kauai County, and a Flood Advisory is in effect until 11:30 AM HST.

The storm center is expected to pass south of Kauai today. The NHC advisory forecasts 2 to 6 inches of total rainfall for the western islands, with the highest totals expected over windward Kauai.

Storm surge of 1 to 2 feet above ground is possible along coastal areas.

The following Kauai closures were confirmed as of Saturday evening and remain in effect:

• The Haena Shuttle is closed today (Sunday). This closure was explicitly stated for both Saturday and Sunday.
• All state parks are closed until further notice.
• Polihale State Park is closed until further notice.
• Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, including Kalalau Trail, was closed Saturday. Check current status before visiting.

Are Hawaii Flights Operating?

Hilo International Airport and Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport were both closed Saturday.

The official Hawaii Airports website does not confirm current Sunday operating status for either airport.

Check airports.hawaii.gov and verify directly with your airline before leaving for any Big Island airport.

The Hawaii Airports website advises travelers to check directly with their airline for the most up-to-date flight status. Do not go to the airport without confirming your flight is operating.

Both Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, have travel waivers in place:

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines (shared waiver) Airports covered: Honolulu (HNL), Hilo (ITO), Kona (KOA), Lihue (LIH), Maui (OGG) Tickets purchased on or before: August 13, 2026 Original travel dates: August 14 to 16, 2026 Rebook travel through: August 19, 2026 You may change without a fee or cancel without a fee and receive a credit certificate or account wallet deposit.

Details: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/advisories/travel-advisories

Southwest Airlines Airports covered: Hilo (ITO), Honolulu (HNL), Kahului (OGG), Kona (KOA), Lihue (LIH) Dates affected: August 14 to 16, 2026 Rebook within 14 days of original travel date at no change in airfare. If Southwest cancels or significantly delays your flight, you may be eligible for a full refund.

Details: https://www.southwest.com/travel-advisory/

Should You Cancel Your Hawaii Trip?

Travelers flying to the Big Island today: The Tropical Storm Warning has been discontinued. However, Hilo and Kona airports were closed Saturday and Sunday status has not been confirmed by the official Hawaii Airports website. Verify before going.

Travelers flying to Maui, Oahu, or Kauai today: Tropical storm conditions and flooding remain active on all three islands. Check your airline for flight status before heading to the airport. Avoid unnecessary outdoor activity today.

Travelers arriving in the next one to three days: Lala is expected to move away from the main Hawaiian Islands by Monday, but flooding, dangerous surf, closures, and recovery impacts may continue after the storm passes.

Plan for flexibility, especially on the Big Island and Kauai where rainfall totals have been heaviest.

Travelers arriving later this week: Conditions are expected to improve significantly by midweek.

No reason to cancel based on current information.

Travelers already in Hawaii: If you are on the Big Island, the storm warning has lifted but flooding remains a hazard.

Stay off flooded roads. If you are on Maui, Oahu, or Kauai, check current local alerts before heading out and avoid unnecessary travel in areas experiencing flooding or tropical storm conditions.

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’s warning has been lifted while Kauai is still actively feeling the worst of this storm.

The smartest thing you can do is focus on your specific island, your specific dates, and the latest official advisory rather than making broad assumptions about the whole state.

If You’re Arriving After the Storm Passes

Do not assume every attraction will reopen right away.

Parks, trails, beaches, and tours may need time for safety inspections and cleanup after significant rainfall and wind. Confirm directly with any attraction before counting on it being open, especially on the Big Island and Kauai where rainfall has been heaviest.

What Visitors Should Do Right Now

• Check your airline’s flight status before leaving for the airport
• Check current airport status at airports.hawaii.gov before driving to any Big Island airport
• Avoid flooded roads statewide. Do not drive through water on a road
• Stay out of the ocean. The NHC warns of life-threatening surf and rip current conditions statewide
• Avoid hiking trails, streambeds, and gulches statewide, especially on windward sides and in steep terrain
• If you are on Maui, Oahu, or Kauai, check current local alerts before heading out and avoid unnecessary travel in areas experiencing flooding or tropical storm conditions
• Confirm any tours or activities are operating before going
• Sign up for local alerts at ready.hawaii.gov if you haven’t already
• Check county emergency management sites for road closures on your specific island

A Note on What Comes Next

Lala is expected to move away from the main Hawaiian Islands by Monday, but flooding, dangerous surf, closures, and recovery impacts may continue after the storm passes.

The surf and rip current threat does not end when the wind does.

Swells generated by Lala will continue to build westward across exposed waters today, including on the leeward sides of islands as the storm moves south of them.

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

FAQs

Is Tropical Storm Lala still affecting Hawaii? Yes. As of late Sunday morning, the Tropical Storm Warning for Hawaii Island has been discontinued. Maui County, Oahu, and Kauai remain under Tropical Storm Warnings. Oahu is under a Flash Flood Warning until noon HST. Kauai has a Flood Advisory until 11:30 AM HST. Molokai and Lanai also have active Flood Advisories this morning.

Should I cancel my Hawaii trip because of Tropical Storm Lala? It depends on your island and your arrival date. If you’re heading to the Big Island, the storm warning has been lifted, though airport status has not been officially confirmed for Sunday and some attractions remain closed. If you’re heading to Maui, Oahu, or Kauai today, tropical storm conditions and flooding are still ongoing. If your trip is later this week, there is no reason to cancel based on current information.

Are Hawaii flights still being affected by Tropical Storm Lala? Hilo and Kona airports were closed Saturday. Sunday status has not been confirmed by the official Hawaii Airports website. Check airports.hawaii.gov and contact your airline directly before heading to any airport. Alaska, Hawaiian, and Southwest all have waivers covering travel through August 16.

Which Hawaii islands are still being affected? As of late Sunday morning, Maui County, Oahu, and Kauai remain under Tropical Storm Warnings. Hawaii Island’s warning has been discontinued. Oahu is under a Flash Flood Warning until noon. Kauai, Molokai, and Lanai all have active Flood Advisories.

Sources

Official sources

• National Hurricane Center advisory (Intermediate Advisory 17A, 8:00 AM HST August 16, 2026): https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/HFOTCPCP2+shtml/161746.shtml
• Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (Lala updates, flood alerts, TheBus notice): https://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/tropical-storm-lala/
• Hawaii Tourism Authority (Go Hawaii) visitor advisory: https://www.gohawaii.com/lala
• Hawaii Airports System: https://airports.hawaii.gov/
• National Park Service, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park closure notice: https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/news/20260813-nr-park-closure-storm-safety.htm
• National Weather Service Honolulu: https://www.weather.gov/hfo/

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/