Lala Friday Updates: Lala advances, hurricane status expected on approach to Big Island of Hawaiʻi

Update: 5 a.m. Aug. 14, 2026
The Tropical Storm Watch for Maui County has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning. A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Oʻahu and Kauaʻi Counties.

The Tropical Storm Watch for Maui County has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning. A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Oʻahu and Kauaʻi Counties.

• A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Hawaiʻi County. A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.
• A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Maui County, including the islands of Maui, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and Kahoʻolawe. A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.
• A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Oʻahu Kauaʻi County, including the islands of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau. A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, in this case within the next 36 to 48 hours.
• Flood Watch from this evening through late Saturday night for Maui and the Big Island.
• High Surf Warning: for east facing shores of the Big Island and maui tonight through Saturday night. For the Big Island, dangerously large surf increasing from 8 to 12 feet tonight to 15 to 20 feet on Saturday. For Maui, dangerously large surf increasing from 7 to 10 feet tonight to 10 to 15 feet on Saturday.
• Interests in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument should monitor the progress of Lala.

At 5 a.m. HST, the center of Tropical Storm Lala was located about 420 miles ESE of Hilo, near latitude 16.7 North, longitude 149.5 West. Lala is moving toward the west-northwest near 12 mph. This general motion is expected to continue, taking the core of Lala near the Big Island of Hawaii on Saturday and then south of the smaller islands on Sunday. Maximum sustained winds remain near 60 mph with higher gusts. Steady strengthening is forecast, and Lala is expected to become a hurricane as it approaches the Big Island. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 205 miles north of the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 997 mb (29.44 inches).

Lala is still forecast to become a Category 1 hurricane when it reaches the Big Island, according to the latest update from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Land interaction and an increase in wind shear should result in Lala weakening back to a tropical storm as it moves south of the remainder of the island chain later in the weekend. Re-strengthening is forecast early next week as vertical wind shear relaxes and Lala remains over warm sea surface temperatures.

The main forecast concern for the next few days will be potential impacts from what is now Tropical Storm Lala. Based on the latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center, Lala is expected to move near the southern end of the Big Island Saturday, then continue moving to the west-northwest, with the center of circulation remaining south of the smaller islands. Impacts from Lala are expected to begin for the eastern end of the state tonight night, and continue through the weekend. Remember impacts can occur well outside the center of the storm.

Specific areas of Maui County:

• Māʻalaea, Maui: Tropical storm force winds remain possible . Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 60 mph – Peak Rainfall Amounts: 2-4 inches, with locally higher.
• Hamoa, Maui: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind. Peak Wind Forecast: 35-45 mph with gusts to 65 mph – Window for Tropical Storm force winds: Saturday afternoon until early Sunday morning. Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph.
• Kīhei, Wailea, Kēōkea: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind. Peak Wind Forecast: 30-40 mph with gusts to 60 mph. Potential for wind 58 to 73 mph.
• Lahaina, Olowalu, Nāpili: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind. Peak Wind Forecast: 35-45 mph with gusts to 65 mph. Little to no storm surge flooding. The storm surge threat has decreased from the previous assessment. Rough surf, coastal erosion, and life-threatening rip currents are possible.
• Wailuku, Waiheʻe, Kapalua:
  • Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind. Peak Wind Forecast: 30-40 mph with gusts to 65 mph. Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph. The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm force.
  • Localized storm surge possible. Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for up to 2 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas. Window of concern: Saturday morning until early Monday morning. Potential for storm surge flooding greater than 1 foot above ground. The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. Leave immediately if evacuation orders are given for your area.
  • Rain: Flood Watch is in effect/ Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 3-6 inches, with locally higher amounts/ Potential for major flooding rain. Strongly consider protective actions, especially if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. Heed any flood watches and warnings. Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks.
• Lānaʻi City and Lānaʻi Airport:
  • Wind: Tropical storm force winds remain possible. Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 55 mph. Potential for wind 58 to 73 mph. Plan for dangerous wind of equivalent strong tropical storm force.
  • Rain: Peak Rainfall Amounts: 2-4 inches, with locally higher amounts. Potential for moderate flooding rain.
• Haʻikū, Hāna, Kīpahulu:
  • Wind: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind. Peak Wind Forecast: 30-40 mph with gusts to 65 mph.
  • Flood Watch is in effect. Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 6-10 inches, with locally higher amounts. Emergency plans should include the potential for major flooding from heavy rain. Strongly consider protective actions, especially if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues. Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks.
• Hoʻolehua, Molokaʻi:
  • Wind: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind. Peak Wind Forecast: 35-45 mph with gusts to 60 mph. Window for Tropical Storm force winds: Saturday afternoon until early Sunday morning.
  • Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 2-4 inches, with locally higher amounts. Potential for localized flooding rain. Consider protective actions if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. Heed any flood watches and warnings.
• Kahului and Puʻunēnē:
  • Wind: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind. Peak Wind Forecast: 30-40 mph with gusts to 60 mph. Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph. Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm force.
  • Rain: Flood Watch is in effect. Peak Rainfall Amounts: 3-6 inches, with locally higher amounts. Emergency plans should include the potential for major flooding from heavy rain. Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues. Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. 
• Haleakalā National Park:
  • Wind; Tropical storm force winds remain possible. Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 65 mph.
  • Rain: Flood Watch is in effect. Peak Rainfall Amounts: 6-10 inches, with locally higher amounts. Potential for major flooding rain. Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks.
• Kaumalapau Harbor
  • Wind: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind. Peak Wind Forecast: 35-45 mph with gusts to 65 mph. Window for Tropical Storm force winds: Saturday afternoon until early Sunday morning. Potential for wind 58 to 73 mph
  • Rain: Peak Rainfall Amounts: 1-3 inches, with locally higher amounts. Potential for moderate flooding rain.

WIND: Hurricane conditions are expected on the Big Island of Hawaii on Saturday, with tropical storm conditions expected in Maui County Saturday night. Tropical storm conditions are possible in Oʻahu and Kauaʻi Counties on Sunday. Wind speeds atop and on the windward sides of slopes and mountains are often up to 30% stronger than the near-surface winds indicated in this advisory, and in some elevated locations could be even greater.

Damaging tropical storm force winds may begin as early as tonight across parts of the Big Island. Tropical storm force winds will reach Maui County by Saturday, with the potential for tropical storm force winds to impact the rest of the state later Saturday into Sunday.

RAINFALL: Tropical Storm Lala is expected to produce rainfall totals of 8 to 12 inches across Maui and the Big Island, with maximum totals of 25 inches possible across the Big Island. Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches with maximum amounts of 8 inches is expected across the remainder of the island chain. This rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.

The current forecast has 10 to 15 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts across windward Big Island. Rainfall totals of 8 to 12 inches are possible on windward Maui and up 8 inches of rainfall could occur across the remainder of the island chain. While the highest rainfall amounts will be focused over windward areas, leeward areas will also have a significant flood risk. Heavy rain could persist into Monday for some areas.

STORM SURGE: The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide… Hawaiʻi…1 to 3 ft The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast, where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances.

SURF: Swells generated by Lala are expected to reach the east-facing shores of the state today, spreading westward and building through the weekend. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.

Key Messages:

• Lala is forecast to strengthen and become a hurricane as it approaches the Big Island of Hawaii on Saturday. A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for the Big Island and a Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Maui County. Tropical Storm Watches have been issued for Oahu and Kauai Counties. Winds are expected to be the strongest in areas of higher terrain.
• Heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Lala will begin to impact the Big Island today, spreading westward across the remainder of the island chain during the weekend. This rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.
• Large and dangerous waves, especially on the Big Island, are expected this weekend, with the greatest impacts along exposed windward and southern shores. This prolonged period of heavy surf may cause localized coastal flooding and significant beach erosion.

The next intermediate advisory will be issued at around 8 a.m. HST. The next complete advisory will be released at around 11 a.m. HST.

Previous posts:

Update: 2 a.m. Aug. 14, 2026
Lala forecast to become hurricane on approach to Big Island; Conditions expected to begin to deteriorate there early Saturday

At 2 a.m. HST, the center of Tropical Storm Lala was located about 435 miles ESE of Hilo, Hawaiʻi near latitude 16.6 North, longitude 149.3 West. Lala is moving toward the west-northwest near 10 mph. This general motion is expected to continue, taking the core of Lala near the Big Island of Hawaiʻi on Saturday and then south of the smaller islands on Sunday. Maximum sustained winds remain near 60 mph with higher gusts. Steady strengthening is forecast, and Lala is expected to become a hurricane as it approaches the Big Island. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 275 miles from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 997 mb (29.44 inches).

• A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Hawaiʻi County. A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.
• A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Maui County, including the islands of Maui, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and Kahoʻolawe. A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, in this case within the next 36 to 48 hours.
• Interests elsewhere in the main Hawaiian Islands, and in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, should monitor the progress of this system.

WIND: Hurricane conditions are expected on the Big Island of Hawaii by early Saturday, with tropical storm conditions possible in Maui County by late Saturday. Wind speeds atop and on the windward sides of slopes and mountains are often up to 30% stronger than the near-surface winds indicated in this advisory, and in some elevated locations could be even greater.

RAINFALL: Tropical Storm Lala is expected to produce rainfall totals of 8 to 12 inches across Maui and the Big Island with maximum totals of 25 inches possible across the Big Island. Rainfall totals of 4 to 6 inches with maximum amounts of 8 inches across the remainder of the island chain. This rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.

STORM SURGE: The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide… Hawaiʻi…1 to 3 ft The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast, where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances.

SURF: Swells generated by Lala are expected to reach the east-facing shores of the state on Friday, spreading westward and building through the weekend. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

The next complete advisory will be issued around 5 a.m. HST.

Update: 11 p.m. Aug. 13, 2026
Lala holding steady, tracking WNW, forecast to become hurricane on approach to Big Island

Regularly scheduled Lala updates for Friday, Aug. 14, 2026 are posted here. Steady strengthening is forecast, and Lala is expected to become a hurricane as it approaches the Big Island.

• A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Hawaiʻi County. A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.
• A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Maui County, including the islands of Maui, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and Kahoʻolawe. A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, in this case within the next 36 to 48 hours.  The Peak Wind Forecast for this area is 40-50 mph with gusts to 73 mph. Window for Tropical Storm force winds: Saturday afternoon until early Sunday morning.
• Interests elsewhere in Hawaiʻi should monitor the progress of Lala, and Tropical Storm Watches or Warnings could be required on Friday.

At 11 p.m. HST, on Aug. 14, the center of Tropical Storm Lala was located about 455 miles ESE of Hilo, Hawaiʻi, near latitude 16.7 North, longitude 148.9 West. Lala is moving toward the west-northwest near 10 mph. A west-northwestward motion is expected during the next several days, with some slowing in forward speed as Lala approaches the Big Island on Saturday, followed by an increase in forward speed later in the weekend. Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph with higher gusts. Steady strengthening is forecast, and Lala is expected to become a hurricane as it approaches the Big Island. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 275 miles from the center. The minimum central pressure estimated from Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft data is 997 mb (29.44 inches).

Forecast Discussion: The Central Pacific Hurricane Center provided an updated forecast discussion saying: “Interaction with the terrain of the Big Island could result in short-term changes in the cyclone’s structure and intensity during its closest approach. Thereafter, a progressively drier mid-level environment, along with some increase in westerly vertical wind shear, should result in weakening as Lala passes south of the smaller islands through the remainder of the weekend. Some re-strengthening is forecast early next week as vertical wind shear relaxes and Lala remains over warm sea surface temperatures.”

WIND: Hurricane conditions are expected on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi by early Saturday, with tropical storm conditions possible in Maui County by late Saturday. Wind speeds atop and on the windward sides of slopes and mountains are often up to 30% stronger than the near-surface winds indicated in this advisory, and in some elevated locations could be even greater. Winds are expected to be the strongest in areas of higher terrain.

RAINFALL: Tropical Storm Lala is expected to produce rainfall totals of 8 to 12 inches across Maui and the Big Island with maximum totals of 25 inches possible across the Big Island. Rainfall totals of 4 to 6 inches with maximum amounts of 8 inches across the remainder of the island chain. This rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.

STORM SURGE: The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide… Hawaii…1 to 3 ft. The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast, where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances.

SURF: Swells generated by Lala are expected to reach the east-facing shores of the state on Friday, spreading westward and building through the weekend. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

The next complete advisory will be at 5 a.m. HST.