Hurricane Warning Issued for Hawaii's Big Island as Tropical Storm Lala Nears

Published:August 15, 2026 · Updated:August 15, 2026, 8:49 PM HST · Reviewed by Ertuğrul Öz, Certified Fire Chief & Training Specialist

Situation Summary

Tropical Storm Lala was located roughly 100 miles southeast of South Point, Hawai’i, moving west-northwest at about 13 mph with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center's Saturday morning advisory. Forecasters say Lala is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as its center approaches South Point on Saturday, which could mark the Big Island's first direct hurricane landfall since 1871. A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Hawai’i Island, with a Tropical Storm Warning covering Maui County.

Expected Wind Impacts by Area

Wind impacts vary significantly by location and elevation, according to National Weather Service guidance. In and around Hilo, Pāhoa, and Volcano, peak winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected. The Kailua-Kona, Captain Cook, and Milolʻi area could see stronger peak winds of 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 70 mph. The Na’alehu and Pāhala area, along with Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, are forecast to see some of the strongest conditions on the island, with sustained winds of 40 to 60 mph and gusts up to 75 mph. The Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa summits, along with Bradshaw Army Airfield, could see gusts up to 60-70 mph. Forecasters also warned that rainfall could reach 8 to 25 inches in higher elevations of the Big Island, raising the risk of life-threatening flooding and mudslides.

Emergency Response Concerns

Road closures, flooding, downed power lines, emergency calls, evacuation assistance and access problems could complicate fire and EMS operations as conditions deteriorate. NWS guidance for the warning area urges residents to shelter now from life-threatening wind, and flags the likelihood of road and bridge closures, with some routes potentially weakened or washed out. The County of Maui's Department of Water Supply and Department of Environmental Management are preparing system infrastructure sites ahead of the storm's arrival. Residents needing emergency evacuation assistance are directed to call 911; officials noted that crimes committed during an emergency proclamation carry enhanced penalties, and that any malfunctioning traffic signal should be treated as a four-way stop.

Official Response

Hawai’i Governor Josh Green declared a state of emergency ahead of Lala's arrival, activating potential disaster relief funds and directing state agencies to support emergency response efforts. The Hawai’i National Guard has said it is prepared to support response operations if needed, and the Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources has been working to clear streams and other flood-prone areas ahead of the storm. County of Maui emergency officials have identified Temporary Evacuation Points (TEPs) for residents ahead of expected impacts, according to Maui Now.

What's Ahead

Lala's center was forecast to move near South Point of the Big Island on Saturday, then pass south of the smaller islands on Sunday, according to the National Hurricane Center. Hurricane conditions are expected on the Big Island Saturday, with tropical storm conditions expected in Maui County Saturday night and possibly reaching O’ahu and Kaua’i by Sunday morning. This is a developing story and will be updated as the storm's track, intensity, and on-the-ground impacts become clearer.

This is a developing story, last updated August 15, 2026, 8:49 PM HST. Sources: National Weather Service, Maui Now, KHON2, CBS News.