Tropical Storm Lala Is Approaching 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: Friday, August 14, 2026, 5 a.m. HST – Hawaii Island remains under a Hurricane Warning. Maui County is under a Tropical Storm Warning.

Oahu and Kauai remain under Tropical Storm Watches.

This is a fast moving situation.

Details below reflect the most recent National Hurricane Center advisory.

If you’re flying to Hawaii this weekend, you’re probably wondering one thing: Is Tropical Storm Lala going to affect my trip?

The short answer is, it depends on which island you’re visiting.

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.

Here’s what you actually need to know, broken down simply.

Where Tropical Storm Lala Is Headed

As of Friday morning, Lala had sustained winds near 60 mph and was sitting a few hundred miles southeast of the Big Island, moving west-northwest toward the Hawaiian Islands at about 12 mph.

Forecasters expect it to keep strengthening as it nears the islands.

The current forecast track brings the strongest impacts closest to Hawaii Island (Big Island) first.

That’s why it’s under the most serious warning of any island right now.

The timing of impacts will depend on the storm’s exact track and strength, and that can shift with each new advisory.

Right now, Hawaii Island is expected to see impacts first, with possible effects spreading toward Maui County and then the western islands later in the weekend.

Rain and wind could linger for many hours after the storm passes through the area, so Sunday is still a day to stay alert everywhere, not just Saturday.

What Each Island Should Know

Hawaii Island (Big Island)

This is where the biggest impacts are expected. Hurricane conditions are possible Saturday as the storm approaches Hawaii Island.

Heavy rain is expected, with some areas seeing significant totals. That kind of rain can cause flash flooding and landslides fast, especially in gulches and steep terrain.

If you’re on the Big Island this weekend, this is the island where you should be paying closest attention and following any guidance from your hotel or Hawaii County Civil Defense.

Maui County

Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe are under a Tropical Storm Warning, upgraded this morning from a watch.

A Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area. Expect heavy rain, strong wind, and rough surf.

Flooding is the main concern here too, particularly in low-lying and stream-fed areas.

Oahu

Oahu is under a Tropical Storm Watch, meaning conditions are possible, not guaranteed. Expect rain and rough surf even if wind stays below tropical storm strength.

This can still change, so don’t assume Oahu is in the clear.

Kauai

Kauai and Niihau are also under a Tropical Storm Watch. Right now Kauai has a bit more lead time than the other islands, but that can shift if the storm’s track changes.

Are Hawaii Flights Being Delayed?

Southwest Airlines has issued a Tropical Storm Lala travel advisory covering several Hawaii airports. Travelers flying this weekend should check directly with their airline, since additional carriers may adjust schedules depending on how conditions develop.

What to do: Check your specific flight status directly with your airline before you assume anything. Don’t cancel based on guesswork. Confirm it.

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 this weekend is in a very different situation than someone visiting Oahu next week.

A few honest ways to think about it:

• If you’re headed to the Big Island this weekend, treat your trip as a live situation and stay in close contact with your airline and hotel.
• If you’re headed to Maui, Oahu, or Kauai this weekend, you’re likely to see rain and rough surf, but the storm’s exact path could still change how much you’re affected.
• If your trip is next week or later, there’s no need to make any decisions yet. Just 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.

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.

What Visitors Should Do Today

• Check your airline’s flight status and any weather advisory that applies to you
• Contact your hotel, condo, or vacation rental to ask about their storm procedures
• Check with any tours or activities you’ve booked, since many will pause during high surf or heavy rain
• 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 tomorrow morning

A Hurricane Warning Does Not Mean Hawaii Is Closed

On Thursday, the Governor issued an emergency proclamation, and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency started coordinating preparations across the state.

That sounds serious, and it is, but it is a precautionary step that allows state agencies to coordinate resources and respond quickly if conditions worsen.

It does not mean the islands are shut down.

Hawaii is a chain of islands, not one single place.

A hurricane warning on the Big Island doesn’t mean Kauai is dealing with the same thing. 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 Tropical Storm Lala affecting Hawaii vacations?

Yes, to different degrees depending on the island. Hawaii Island currently faces the greatest concern, with Maui County also under a Tropical Storm Warning. Oahu and Kauai are being watched closely but haven’t been issued warnings, only watches, as of this morning.

Should I cancel my Hawaii trip because of Tropical Storm Lala?

Probably not. It depends on your island and your travel dates. If you’re headed to the Big Island or Maui this weekend, check in with your airline and hotel now. If your trip is further out, there’s no need to cancel anything yet.

Are Hawaii flights canceled because of Tropical Storm Lala?

Southwest has issued a weather advisory covering several Hawaii airports, and other carriers may adjust schedules as conditions develop. Check your specific flight directly with your airline rather than assuming it’s affected.

Which Hawaii islands are affected by Tropical Storm Lala?

Hawaii Island is under a Hurricane Warning. Maui County is under a Tropical Storm Warning. Oahu and Kauai are under Tropical Storm Watches. All islands could see rain and rough surf this weekend.

Sources

• National Hurricane Center advisory
• Hawaii Emergency Management Agency
• Southwest Airlines travel advisory