Lala Saturday Updates: Eye wall of Category 1 Hurricane Lala brushes Big Island, spreads west

New updates for SUNDAY, Aug. 16, 2026 are available in a NEW POST HERE: https://tinyurl.com/mwjnu72d

11 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026
Lala remains a hurricane as it begins to pull away form the Big Island. Damaging winds and heavy rain will persist across the Big Island and Maui County overnight and spread westward across Oʻahu and Kauaʻi County on Sunday.

Lala is now 65 miles W of Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi, and 130 miles SSE of Honolulu. The system has maximum sustained winds of 75 mph with higher gusts, maintaining its intensity as a category 1 hurricane. Movement is toward the NW with increased speed at 15 mph.

At 11 p.m. HST, the center of Hurricane Lala was located near latitude 19.6 North, longitude 157.0 West. A gradual westward turn with an increase in forward speed is expected on Sunday, as the core of the storm remains south of the smaller main Hawaiian Islands and the easternmost Northwestern Hawaiian Islands through the early part of next week.

This intensity of Lala is forecast to remain steady for a few more hours, followed by a gradual weakening trend on Sunday as Lala passes south of the smaller main Hawaiian Islands. Some restrengthening is possible next week. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles. The estimated minimum central pressure is 988 mb (29.18 inches).

• A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for: Hawaiʻi County. A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, in this case within the next 6 to 12 hours.
• A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the rest of the state including: Maui County, including the islands of Maui, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and Kahoʻolawe; Oʻahu; and Kauaʻi County, including the islands of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau. A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, in this case within 12 to 24 hours.
• Interests in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument should monitor the progress of Lala.

11:03 p.m., 8.15.26
Maui Flood Advisory until 2 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026

At 11 p.m. HST, Doppler radar indicated moderate to locally heavy rain starting to move over Maui from the south. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the advisory area. Rain was falling at a rate of 0.5 to 1.5 inches per hour. Bands of heavy rain should increase over Maui tonight. Some locations that will experience flooding include: Kahului, Kīhei, Lahaina, Kula, Pukalani, Makawao, Hāliʻimaile, Kēōkea, Pāiʻa, Puʻunēnē, Haʻikū-Paʻuwela and Pauwela.

Additional Lala Discussion as of 11:08 p.m., Aug. 15, 2026

Hurricane Lala continues to bring damaging winds, heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding, and dangerously high surf to portions of the state. Heavy rain associated with the hurricane extends across the Big Island and Maui County tonight and will spread northwest to reach Oʻahu early Sunday morning and Kauaʻi later Sunday morning. Hurricane Lala is now centered west of the Big Island and will continue generally west-northwestward, tracking south of the island chain through Sunday. Do not focus on the exact forecast track or intensity of Lala as impacts extend well beyond the center of the hurricane.

Rainfall between 15 to 25 inches has been observed over the last 18 hours for the eastern and southern Big Island. Portions of Kaʻū District have recently observed rainfall rates of 3 to 5 inches per hour, producing catastrophic flash flooding. Flooding rain will continue for portions of the Big Island of Hawaii as Lala passes. The threat for flooding increases over Maui County tonight through Sunday morning and spreads to the rest of the state through Sunday. Heavy rainfall could persist into Monday for some areas, mainly over the western end of the island chain. Lala is expected to produce additional rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches across the Big Island and Maui County and 4 to 6 inches across the remainder of the island chain. Locally higher amounts are possible. While the highest rainfall amounts will be focused over windward areas and higher terrain, leeward areas will also have a significant flood risk.

Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph with gusts as high as 80 mph are being observed for leeward Kohala and portions of West Maui tonight. 25 to 35 mph sustained winds with gusts of 40 to 60 mph are also ongoing along the Saddle Road and large portions of Maui. Hurricane conditions, with sustained winds over 74 mph, remain possible across the Big Island through Sunday morning. Tropical storm conditions, with sustained winds over 39 mph, are expected for portions of Maui County through Sunday afternoon and the western islands through Sunday evening. It is very important to note that the mountainous terrain of the islands will likely produce localized areas of highly enhanced and damaging winds, even well away from the tropical cyclone center.

East swell is beginning to subside for the Big Island but is currently peaking for Maui County. Surf will continue to build further west, peaking early Sunday morning for Oʻahu and later Sunday morning for Kauaʻi. Some increase in surf is also possible along exposed south-facing shores as Lala continues westward. Significant beach erosion and overwash are still possible across vulnerable coastal infrastructure.

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10:08 p.m. HST Saturday, Aug. 15 2026
Flood Advisory Canceled for the Island of Molokaʻi

The Molokaʻi Flood Advisory was canceled at 10:08 p.m. Weather radar shows that the heavy rain has diminished. Therefore, the Flood Advisory has been cancelled. Flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat.

8:13 p.m. HST Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026
Hurricane Lala Local Statement Intermediate Advisory

LALA REMAINS A HURRICANE AS IT CONTINUES NORTHWESTWARD ON THE LEEWARD SIDE OF THE BIG ISLAND

– A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Big Island East, Big Island Interior, Big Island North, Big Island South, Big Island Southeast, Big Island Summits, Kohala, and Kona
– A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the rest of the state including Maui, Oʻahu and Kauaʻi counties.

* STORM INFORMATION:
– About 180 miles south-southeast of Honolulu or about 50 miles south-southwest of Kailua-Kona
– 19.1N 156.5W
– Storm Intensity 75 mph
– Movement Northwest or 310 degrees at 10 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Hurricane Lala continues to bring damaging winds, heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding, and dangerously high surf to portions of the state. Heavy rain associated with the hurricane extends across the Big Island and Maui County this evening and will spread northwest to reach Oʻahu tonight and Kauaʻi late tonight into Sunday morning.

Hurricane Lala passed south of the Big Island this afternoon and will continue generally west-northwestward, tracking south of the island chain through Sunday. Do not focus on the exact forecast track or intensity of Lala as impacts extend well beyond the center of the hurricane.

Rainfall between 10 to 17 inches has been observed over the last 12 hours for the eastern Big Island. Up to 9 inches of rain has been measured on eastern Maui over the last 12 hours. Flooding rain will continue for portions of the Big Island of Hawaii as Lala passes. The threat for flooding increases over Maui County this evening and spreads to the rest of the state later tonight through Sunday. Heavy rainfall could persist into Monday for some areas, mainly over the western end of the island chain. Lala is expected to produce additional rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches across the Big Island and Maui County and 4 to 6 inches across the remainder of the island chain. Locally higher amounts are possible. While the highest rainfall amounts will be focused over windward areas and higher terrain, leeward areas will also have a significant flood risk.

Sustained winds of 35 to 55 mph with gusts as high as 85 mph are being observed for leeward Kohala and portions of West Maui this evening. 25 to 35 mph sustained winds with gusts of 40 to 60 mph are also ongoing along the Saddle Road, as well as for Kau District and large portions of Maui. Hurricane conditions, with sustained winds over 74 mph, remain possible across the Big Island. Tropical storm conditions, with sustained winds over 39 mph, are expected for portions of Maui County through Sunday morning and the western islands through Sunday evening. It is very important to note that the mountainous terrain of the islands will likely produce localized areas of highly enhanced and damaging winds, even well away from the tropical cyclone center.

East swell is beginning to subside for the Big Island but is currently peaking for Maui County. Surf will continue to build further west, peaking tonight for Oahu and tomorrow morning for Kauai. Some increase in surf is also possible along exposed south- facing shores as Lala continues westward. Significant beach erosion and overwash are still possible across vulnerable coastal infrastructure.

7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026
Heavy rain continues to spread across the eastern main Hawaiian Islands.

Radar data indicate that the eye wall of Lala is located west of South Point, Hawaiʻi. An observation at Kohala Ranch recently reported a sustained wind of 50 mph and a gust of 77 mph. Peak rainfall measurements over the last 12 hours are between 15 to 17 inches across windward Maui and the Big Island. Lala is now located 40 miles W of South Point and 260 miles SE of Honolulu. Maximum sustained winds are blowing at 80 mph with present movement toward the NW at 9 mph.

8 p.m. HST Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026
Maui Flood Advisory extended to 11:15 p.m.

The Flood Advisory for Maui is now in effect until 11:15 p.m. At 8 p.m., Radar indicated moderate rain across east Maui and the slopes of Haleakala. Rain was falling at a rate of 0.5 to 1.5 inches per hour. Although streams have fallen in the past few hours and rainfall rates are not as high as they were earlier today, radar trends indicate that additional bands of heavy rainfall with higher rates are expected to move onshore through the night. Additional rounds of heavy rainfall are expected throughout the evening. Some locations that will experience flooding include: Nāhiku, Keʻanae, Kīpahulu, Kaupō, Hāna, Huelo, Makawao, Haʻikū- Paʻuwela, Hālʻiimaile and Paʻuwela.

7:33 p.m. HST, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026
Molokaʻi Flood Advisory extended to 10:45 p.m.

The Flood Advisory for Molokaʻi has been extended to 10:45 p.m. At 7:30 p.m. HST, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated areas of heavy rain moving into the eastern half of Molokaʻi. Water levels remain elevated within Kawela Gulch from the rainfall upstream and rain was falling at a rate of 0.5 to 1.5 inches per hour. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the advisory area, which may impact portions of Kamehameha V Highway near Kawela Gulch. Some locations that will experience flooding include: ʻUalapuʻe, Kamalo, Pūkoʻo, Kalaupapa National Park, Kawela, Hālawa Valley, Kaunakakai and Kualapuʻu.

5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026
Lala’s eyewall brushing the southern portion of the big island.
Damaging winds, heavy rain will persist across Big Island through tonight and spread westward across the smaller islands on Sunday.

At 5 p.m. HST, the center of Hurricane Lala was located about 30 miles SW of South Point, and about 220 miles SE of Honolulu, near latitude 18.7 North, longitude 156.0 West. Lala is moving toward the northwest near 9 mph. Some erratic motion remains possible into tonight while Lala interacts with the Big Island of Hawaii. After passing the Big Island, Lala is expected to turn westward on Sunday with an increase in forward speed, as the core of the storm remains south of the smaller main Hawaiian Islands and the easternmost Northwestern Hawaiian Islands through the early part of next week. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 80 mph with higher gusts.

The intensity of Lala is forecast to remain steady over the next few hours as the hurricane remains near South Point of the Big Island. Thereafter, steady weakening is expected later tonight into Sunday as Lala passes south of the smaller main Hawaiian Islands. Some restrengthening is possible early next week. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles. The estimated minimum central pressure is 985 mb (29.09 inches).

Big Island Civil Defense update at 5 p.m.:

• Wind speeds of over 70 mph are being experienced in Kaʻū and forecast to climb higher. 
• Rainfall averages of 5 to 10 inches have been recorded across Hawaiʻi Island, with multiple areas experiencing 15 to almost 20 inches of rainfall. 
• Department of Public Works, State Highways, and HECO report a record number of widespread road closures and prolonged power outages.
• Conditions have degraded to a point that concern for the safety of our road and power personnel has resulted in crews being asked to fallback until conditions improve.

WIND: Hurricane conditions will persist on the Big Island of Hawaii into tonight, with the strongest winds expected in areas of higher terrain. Tropical storm conditions will continue to spread westward across portions of the smaller islands from Maui County and Oahu later today through tonight, then to Kauai County on Sunday. Wind speeds atop mountains and on the windward and leeward slopes are often up to 30 percent stronger than the near-surface winds indicated in this advisory, and in some elevated locations could be even greater.

RAINFALL: Lala is expected to produce rainfall totals of 10 to 20 inches across the Big Island, with maximum totals of 25 inches possible. An additional 8 to 12 inches is possible across windward Maui, with totals of 4 to 6 inches, and maximum amounts of 8 inches, across the remainder of the island chain. This rainfall will 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 will continue to build westward across the exposed windward waters into Sunday. Swells will also build along exposed southern shores as Lala passes south of the islands. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.

• A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Hawai’i County. A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, this case within the next 12 hours. Preparations to protect life and property should now be complete.
• A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for: Maui County, including the islands of Maui, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and Kahoʻolawe; Oʻahu and Kauaʻi County, including the islands of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau. A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.
• Interests in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument should monitor the progress of Lala.

The next intermediate advisory will be issued at 8 p.m. HST, and the next complete advisory will be released at 11 p.m. HST.

Quick links:

• Lala Saturday Weather updates
• Maui power outage updates
• Maui Evening Lala update with Evacuation Points / Shelters
• Road closures
• Canceled/Postponed/Modified
• State Parks/Camping/Trails
• State recap: schools, health, dams, national guard

5:02 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026
Maui Flood Advisory extended to 8:15 p.m.

A Flood Advisory for Maui has been extended to 8:15 p.m. At 4:58 p.m. HST, Doppler radar indicated moderate rain across east Maui and the slopes of Haleakalā. Rain was falling at a rate of 0.5 to 1.5 inches per hour. Although streams have fallen in the past couple of hours and rainfall rates are not as high as they were earlier today, radar trends indicate that additional bands of heavy rainfall with higher rates are expected to move onshore shortly. Additional rounds of heavy rainfall are expected throughout the evening. Some locations that will experience flooding include: Nāhiku, Keʻanae, Kīpahulu, Kaupō, Hāna, Huelo, Makawao, Haʻikū- Paʻuwela, Hālʻiimaile and Paʻuwela.

4:29 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026
Molokaʻi Flood Advisory extended until 7:45 p.m.

A Flood Advisory for Molokaʻi has been extended to 7:45 p.m. At 4:28 pm. HST, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated areas of heavy rain moving into the eastern half of Molokaʻi. Water levels have risen again within Kawela Gulch from the rainfall upstream and rain was falling at a rate of 0.5 to 1.5 inches per hour. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the advisory area, which may impact portions of Kamehameha V, ʻUalapuʻe, Kamalo, Pūkoʻo, Kalaupapa National Park, Kawela, Hālawa Valley, Kaunakakai and Kualapuʻu.

4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026
Heavy Rain continues to spread across the eastern main Hawaiian Islands.

At 4 p.m. HST, radar data indicates that the eyewall of Lala is nearing South Point, Hawaiʻi. An observation near South Point around 550 feet elevation recently reported a sustained wind of 51 mph and a gust of 71 mph. An observation site at South Point Park also reported a sustained wind of 49 mph and a gust of 73 mph. Peak rainfall measurements over the last 12 hours are between 12 to 13 inches across windward Maui and the Big Island. Lala is about 35 miles South of South Point on Hawaiʻi Island. Maximum sustained winds are near 75 mph, with present movement toward the NW at 9 mph.

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2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026
Lala continues NW as it interacts with Big Island terrain

Damaging winds will persist across portions of the Big Island into tonight and spread westward across the smaller islands through Sunday.

At 2 p.m. HST, the eye of Hurricane Lala was located about 50 miles S of South Point, Hawaiʻi and 250 miles SE of Honolulu, near latitude 18.3 North, longitude 155.7 West. Lala is moving toward the northwest near 8 mph. Some erratic motion remains possible into tonight while Lala interacts with the Big Island of Hawaiʻi.

After passing the Big Island, Lala is expected to turn westward on Sunday with an increase in forward speed, as the core of the storm remains south of the smaller main Hawaiian Islands and the easternmost Northwestern Hawaiian Islands through the early part of next week.

Maximum sustained winds are near 75 mph with higher gusts. Intensity is forecast to remain steady over the next several hours as Lala remains near South Point of the Big Island. Thereafter, significant weakening is expected tonight into Sunday as Lala passes south of the smaller main Hawaiian Islands. Some restrengthening is possible early next week.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles. The estimated minimum central pressure is 988 mb (29.18 inches).

2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026
Maui Flood Advisory until 5:15 p.m.

A Flood Advisory is in effect for the island of Maui until 5:15 p.m. At 2 p.m. HST, Doppler radar showed areas of moderate to locally heavy rain moving into East Maui and the eastern slopes of Haleakalā. Rain was falling at a rate of up to 1.5 inches per hour. In addition, stream gauges in the area remain elevated and Piʻiholo Road was reported closed near Waiahiwi Road in Makawao. Additional rainfall is expected throughout the rest of the day, with heavier rain likely as evening approaches. – Some locations that will experience flooding include… Nāhiku, Keʻanae, Kīpahulu, Kaupō, Hāna, Huelo, Makawao, Haʻikū- Paʻuwela, Hālʻiimaile and Paʻuwela.

1:44 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026
Molokaʻi Flood Advisory in effect until 4:45 p.m.

A Flood Advisory is in effect for the island of Molokaʻi in Maui County until 4:45 p.m. At 1:40 p.m. HST, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated areas of heavy rain moving into the eastern half of Molokaʻi. Water levels are rising within Kawela Gulch and rain was falling at a rate of up to 1.5 inches per hour. Some locations that will experience flooding include: ʻUalapuʻe, Kamalo, Pūkoʻo, Kalaupapa National Park, Kawela, Hālawa Valley, Kaunakakai and Kualapuʻu.

1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026
Heavy rainbands spreading across the Big Island

Radar data indicate that strong rainbands are spreading across the Big Island, producing heavy rain and tropical-storm-force winds.

An observation near South Point around 550 feet elevation recently reported a sustained wind of 42 mph and a gust of 63 mph (101 km/h). An observation site south of Volcano, Kealakomo, near 100 feet elevation has recently reported a wind gust of 48 mph.

Lala was last located: at 18.3N 155.5W
About 50 miles SSE of South Point on Hawaiʻi Island
About 260 miles SE of Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
Maximum sustained winds near …75 mph
Present movement is 315 degrees at 8 mph.

Update: 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026
Lala is slowing down and turning NW as it begins to interact with the Big Island
Winds will continue to increase through this afternoon.

11:48 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026
Life threatening winds and flooding rain expand over the Big Island as Lala nears.

Lala is now about 280 miles southeast of Honolulu or about 120 miles south-southeast of Kailua-Kona. Hurricane Lala will bring damaging winds, heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding, and dangerously high surf to portions of the state this weekend.

Impacts have already begun over portions of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, with impacts expected to spread westward across Maui County this afternoon, Oʻahu this afternoon into the evening, and Kauaʻi tonight.

Lala is expected to pass near or make landfall over the southern end of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi this afternoon and pass just south of the rest of the island chain through Sunday.

Damaging winds and heavy rainfall are expected across the entire state this weekend, with the Big Island of Hawaiʻi likely seeing the greatest impacts. At 11:43 a.m., the CFHT/Gemini site at Maunakaea on Hawaiʻi Island reported winds of 98 mph with a peak wind of 119 mph.

Damaging tropical storm force winds will increase across parts of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi and Maui County, with hurricane force winds possible as Lala moves near or over the Big Island today. Damaging winds are expected to spread westward to Oʻahu and Kauaʻi later this evening and into Sunday. It is very important to note that the mountainous terrain of the islands will likely produce localized areas of highly enhanced and damaging winds, even well away from the tropical cyclone center.

Flooding rain will continue to increase on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi throughout the day today as Lala approaches. The threat for flooding will also increase over Maui County today and spread to the rest of the state this evening and Sunday. Heavy rainfall could persist into Monday for some areas, mainly over the western end of the island chain.

Lala is expected to produce rainfall totals of 10 to 20 inches, with locally higher amounts possibly up to 25 inches, across windward Big Island. Rainfall totals of 8 to 12 inches are possible on windward Maui and up to 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.

Large swells generated by Lala will peak today into tonight and produce dangerous surf along exposed east and southeast shores of all islands. Very large and extremely rough seas impacting the exposed southeast and east shores of the Big Island are expected to expand to Maui later today, and then Oʻahu and Kauaʻi by late tonight. Damaging surf, significant beach erosion, and overwash across vulnerable coastal infrastructure is possible.

12:30 p.m. Update: Maui Flood Advisory until 2:15 p.m.

At 12:24 p.m., Doppler radar indicated areas of moderate to locally heavy rain moving into East Maui and the eastern slopes of Haleakalā. Rain was falling at a rate of 0.5 to 1.5 inches per hour. In addition, stream gauges in the area remain elevated and Piʻiholo Road was reported closed near Waiahiwi Road in Makawao. Additional rainfall is expected throughout the rest of the day, with heavier rain likely as evening approaches. – Some locations that will experience flooding include… Nāhiku, Keʻanae, Kīpahulu, Kaupō, Hāna, Huelo, Makawao, Haʻikū- Paʻuwela, Hāliʻimaile and Paʻuwela.

At 11 a.m. HST, the center of Hurricane Lala was located about 65 miles SSE of South Point, and 275 miles SE of Honolulu, near latitude 18.2 North, longitude 155.2 West. Lala is moving toward the northwest near 8 mph.

The eye of the hurricane remained south of the Big Island at last report, with forecasters closely monitoring the front right quadrant where the strongest wind gusts reside. The latest forecast models show the eye wall of the hurricane forecast to pass just on the south edge of Hawaiʻi Island, so it is still uncertain if the system will make official “landfall” or pass just offshore.

Some erratic motion is likely later today and tonight while Lala interacts with the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. After passing the Big Island, Lala is expected to turn westward on Sunday with an increase in forward speed, with the core of the storm staying south of remainder of the main Hawaiian Islands and the easternmost Northwestern Hawaiian Islands through the early part of next week. Maximum sustained winds are near 75 mph with higher gusts.

Some slight strengthening is possible during the next few hours, but significant weakening is likely tonight after Lala interacts with the Big Island of Hawaii. Some restrengthening is possible early next week. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles. The estimated minimum central pressure is 988 mb (29.18 inches).

WIND: Tropical storm conditions, including gusts to hurricane force, are occurring on the Big Island of Hawaii, especially in areas of higher terrain. Winds will continue to increase on the Big Island during the next few hours. Tropical storm conditions are spreading westward across portions of Maui County and Kauaʻi, and are expected to reach Kauai County on Sunday. Wind speeds atop mountains and on the windward and leeward slopes 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: Lala is expected to produce rainfall totals of 10 to 20 inches across the Big Island, with maximum totals of 25 inches possible. Rainfall of 8 to 12 inches is expected across eastern Maui, with totals of 4 to 6 inches, and maximum amounts of 8 inches, across western Maui and the remainder of the island chain. This rainfall will 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 will continue to build through the weekend. Swells will also build along exposed southern shores as Lala passes south of the islands. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

• A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Hawaiʻi County. A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, this case within the next 12 hours. Preparations to protect life and property should now be complete.
• A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for: Maui County, including the islands of Maui, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and Kahoʻolawe; Oʻahu and Kauai County, including the islands of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau. A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.
• Interests in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument should monitor the progress of Lala.

The next intermediate advisory is expected at around 2 p.m., and the next complete advisory will be released at 5 p.m.

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Update: 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026
Lala is officially a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph.
Heavy rain, flooding, strong winds expected across the state this weekend.

As of 10 a.m., Lala was officially upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane with 75 mph sustained winds. Present moment is toward the WNW, slowing to 9 mph in the latest forecast.

If Lala makes landfall in Hawai’i as a hurricane, it would be the first since Iniki in 1992. The forecast brings Lala very near or over the Big Island today. Historical data shows the Big Island got hit by a Category 3 system in 1871.

9:21 a.m., 8.15.26
Maui Flood Advisory until 12:45 p.m.

At 9:19 a.m., Doppler radar indicated moderate to locally heavy rain over East Maui and the slopes of Haleakalā. In addition, stream gauges are elevated. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the advisory area. Rain was falling at a rate of 0.5 to 1.5 inches per hour. Some locations that will experience flooding include: Nāhiku, Keʻanae, Kīpahulu, Kaupō, Hāna, Huelo, Makawao, Haʻikū-Paʻuwela, Hāliʻimaile and Paʻuwela.

At 8 a.m. HST, the center of Tropical Storm Lala was located about 90 miles SSE of South Point, Hawai’i and 300 miles SE of Honolulu, near latitude 17.9 North, longitude 155.0 West. Lala is moving toward the west near 12 mph.

Some erratic motion is likely later today and tonight while Lala interacts with the Big Island of Hawaii. After passing the Big Island, Lala is expected to turn westward on Sunday with an increase in forward speed, with the core of the storm staying south of remainder of the main Hawaiian Islands and the easternmost Northwestern Hawaiian Islands through the early part of next week.

Some additional strengthening is possible today, and Lala is expected to be near or at hurricane intensity while it is near the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. Weakening is expected tonight and on Sunday, but some restrengthening is forecast by late Monday and Tuesday.

Radar and satellite data indicate that maximum sustained winds have increased to near 75 mph with higher gusts. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 205 miles from the center.

A sustained wind of 41 mph and a gust of 64 mph was recently reported at an observation site near South Point around 550 feet elevation. A sustained wind of 46 mph and a gust to 69 mph were recently reported at Puʻuloa on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi at an elevation of 3,366 ft. A wind gust to 40 mph was recently reported at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 990 mb (29.23 inches).

The latest forecast discussion includes the following information:

“Tropical Storm Lala is expected strengthen to a hurricane and bring damaging winds, heavy flooding rainfall, and dangerously high surf to portions of the state this weekend. Impacts will continue to increase on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi and Maui County throughout the day today. Oʻahu and Kauaʻi can expect impacts to begin increasing this afternoon into the evening. Lala is expected to pass or make landfall over the southern end of the Big Island of Hawai;i this afternoon and pass just south of the rest of the island chain through Sunday. Damaging winds and heavy rainfall is expected across the entire state this weekend, with the Big Island of Hawaiʻi likely seeing the greatest impacts.”

Update: 5 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026
Outer trainbands from Lala spreading over Big Island
Heavy rain, flooding, strong winds expected across Hawaiʻi this weekend.

At 5 a.m. HST, the center of Tropical Storm Lala was located about 110 miles SE of South Point, Hawaiʻi and 325 miles SE of Honolulu, near latitude 17.8 North, longitude 154.6 West. Lala is moving toward the west-northwest near 13 mph. Some erratic motion is likely later today and tonight while Lala interacts with the Big Island of Hawaiʻi.

After passing the Big Island, Lala is expected to turn westward on Sunday with an increase in forward speed, with the core of the storm staying south of remainder of the main Hawaiian Islands and the easternmost Northwestern Hawaiian Islands through the early part of next week.

Some strengthening is possible today, and Lala could be near or at hurricane intensity while it is near the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. Weakening is expected tonight and on Sunday, but some restrengthening is forecast by late Monday and Tuesday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph with higher gusts. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 205 miles from the center. Strong tropical-storm-force wind gusts are occurring on the Hawaiian Islands from the Big Island to Oʻahu. The estimated minimum central pressure is 991 mb (29.27 inches).

• A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Hawaiʻi County. A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, this case within the next 12 hours. Preparations to protect life and property should now be complete.
• A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for: Maui County, including the islands of Maui, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and Kahoʻolawe; Oʻahu; Kauaʻi County, including the islands of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.
  A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.
• Interests in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument should monitor the progress of Lala.

WIND: Tropical storm conditions are beginning on the Big Island of Hawaii, with hurricane conditions expected later today. Tropical storm conditions are expected in Maui County later today and tonight, on Oʻahu tonight and Sunday, and in Kauaʻi County on Sunday. Wind speeds atop mountains and on the windward and leeward slopes 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: Lala is expected to produce rainfall totals of 10 to 20 inches across the Big Island, with maximum totals of 25 inches possible. Rainfall of 8 to 12 inches is expected across eastern Maui, with totals of 4 to 6 inches, and maximum amounts of 8 inches, across western Maui and the remainder of the island chain. This rainfall will 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 steadily building along east-facing shores and will continue to increase through the weekend. Swells will also build along exposed southern shores as Lala passes south of the islands. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

The next intermediate advisory is at around 8 a.m. HST, and the next complete advisory will be released at 11 a.m. HST.

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Update: 12 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026
Lala forecast to bring hurricane conditions to Big Island on Saturday
Heavy rain expected across Hawaiian Islands this weekend

Tropical Storm Lala will move over or just south of the islands this weekend but wind, rain and surf impacts will be felt statewide. A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Big Island and a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the rest of the state.

At 11 p.m. HST, the center of Tropical Storm Lala was located about 165 miles ESE of South Point, Hawaiʻi, near latitude 17.8 North, longitude 153.5 West. Lala is moving toward the west-northwest near 13 mph. This general motion is expected to continue for the next couple of days, taking the core of Lala near the South Point of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi on Saturday and then south of the smaller islands on Sunday. Maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph with higher gusts. Steady strengthening is forecast, and Lala is expected to become a hurricane as it approaches the Big Island Saturday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 220 miles from the center. The minimum central pressure based on data from an Air Force reconnaissance aircraft is 991 mb (29.27 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 Warning is in effect for Maui County, including the islands of Maui, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and Kahoʻolawe; Oʻahu and Kauaʻi County, including the islands of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau. A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.
• Interests in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument should monitor the progress of Lala.

WIND: Hurricane conditions are expected on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi on Saturday, with tropical storm conditions expected in Maui County Saturday night. Tropical storm conditions are expected on Oahu and Kauai County by Sunday morning. Wind speeds atop mountains and on the windward and leeward slopes 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 10 to 20 inches across the Big Island, with locally higher amounts up to 25 inches possible. Rainfall totals of 8 to 12 inches are expected across Maui, with 4 to 6 inches and maximum amounts of 8 inches expected 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 steadily building along east-facing shores and will continue to increase through the weekend. Swells will also build along exposed southern shores as Lala passes south of the islands. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

The next intermediate advisory is at around 2 a.m. HST. The next complete advisory will be issued at around 5 a.m. HST.

Gov. Josh Green and officials with the National Weather Service provided key updates during a press conference on Friday evening. The full video is available HERE.