Lala Sunday Updates: Lala continues SW of Kauaʻi with lingering tropical storm conditions

August 16, 2026, 2:00 AM HST
* Updated August 16, 5:53 PM

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Lala satellite imagery. (5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026) PC: NOAA/NWS

Lala forecast track. (5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026) PC: NOAA/NWS

Update: 4:52 p.m. HST, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026
Lingering Tropical Storm conditions across Kauaʻi County

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Kauaʻi East, Kauaʻi Mountains, Kauaʻi North, Kauaʻi South, Kauaʻi Southwest, and Niʻihau.

Lala is located about 170 miles west-southwest of Līhuʻe at 20.7N 161.6W. The storm intensity is at 65 mph sustained winds. Movement is toward the west or 265 degrees at 16 mph

Areas of heavy rain leading to flash flooding, elevated winds, and high surf continue this evening across portions of the state as Tropical Storm Lala continues to move away from the islands. The center of Tropical Storm Lala is located southwest of Kauaʻi and will continue to move west away from the state through this evening.

A Tropical Storm Warning is still in effect for Kauaʻi County and surrounding coastal waters. Impacts can extend well beyond the center of the tropical storm so continue to stay aware of the latest forecast and current weather conditions.

Over the past 3 hours the heaviest rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Lala occurred over the islands of Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, and the eastern part of Maui. Outer rain bands from Lala have the potential to bring periods of locally heavy rain to Maui County, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi County through early Monday morning. Saturated soil from receiving 15 to 35 inches over the Big Island over last 24 hours will keep the flood threat elevated. Lala is expected to produce additional rainfall of 1 to 3 inches across the Big Island with an additional 2 to 4, locally up to 6, inches of rain for the smaller islands. While the highest rainfall amounts will be focused over windward areas and higher terrain, leeward areas will also have a significant flood risk.

Winds will remain elevated for Kauaʻi County into this evening. Elsewhere winds have decreased with sustained winds up to 20 mph and gusts 30 to locally up to 40 mph. Winds will continue to decrease into Monday morning.

East swell generated by Lala will remain elevated near Kauaʻi this evening. Beach erosion and overwash are still possible across vulnerable coastal infrastructure near Kauaʻi. Elsewhere, ocean conditions continue to improve.

Lala satellite imagery. (2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026) PC: NOAA/NWS

Lala forecast track. (2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026) PC: NOAA/NWS

Update: 2 p.m., Aug. 16. 2026
Lala continues westward to the southwest of Kauaʻi. Outer bands of Lala are bringing heavy rain and gusty winds to portions of the smaller main Hawaiian Islands.

At 2 p.m. HST, the center of Tropical Storm Lala was located about 330 miles WNW of Kailua-Kona and about 195 miles W of Honolulu, near latitude 20.8 North, longitude 160.9 West. Lala is moving toward the west near 20 mph. A westward motion is forecast through Tuesday night, followed by a turn toward the west-northwest on Wednesday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph with higher gusts. Little intensity change is expected through Monday. Some restrengthening is forecast thereafter, and Lala could become a hurricane again on Tuesday or Wednesday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles from the center. A wind gust of 39 mph was recently reported at Lihue Airport. The estimated minimum central pressure is 994 mb.

The Tropical Storm Warnings for Maui County, including the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe, and for Oʻahu have been discontinued.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for: 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 the next 12 hours.
Interests in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument should monitor the progress of Lala.

Update: 4:03 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026
Maui Flash Flood Warning Canceled

The National Weather Service has canceled the Flash Flood Warning for Maui as of 4:03 p.m. The heavy rain has ended and water levels at the ʻOheʻo Gulch river gauge have dropped considerably. Flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat. Please continue to heed remaining road closures. A Flood Watch remains in effect.

Lala satellite imagery. (11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026) PC: NOAA/NWS

Lala forecast track. (11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026) PC: NOAA/NWS

Update: 2:19 p.m. HST Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026
Maui Flood Warning until 5:45 p.m.

The National Weather Service in has extended a Flash Flood Warning for the island of Maui in Maui County until 5:45 p.m. HST. At 2:19 p.m., Doppler radar indicated heavy rain over eastern Maui. Rain rates have diminished to 1 inch per hour or less. The heaviest rain continues to fall over the eastern portion of the island from Kipahulu to Hāna to Nāhiku. The water level at ʻOheʻo Gulch is slowly rising. Flash flooding is ongoing.

Update: 11:50 a.m. HST Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026
Maui Flood Warning until 2:45 p.m.

The National Weather Service in has issued Flash Flood Warning for the island of Maui in Maui County until 2:45 p.m. HST. At 1:25 p.m. HST, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain over eastern Maui. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour with isolated pockets up to 3 inches per hour. The heaviest rain continues to fall in the vicinity of Kīpahulu and Hāna. The water level at ʻOheʻo Gulch is rising and flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Kīpahulu, Kaupō, Nāhiku, Keʻanae, Kula, Makawao, Kēōkea, Pukalani, Hāna, Huelo and Haʻikū-Paʻuwela.

At 11:50 a.m. HST, Doppler radar showed heavy rain over eastern Maui. Rain was falling at a rate of 2 to 3 inches per hour. The heaviest rain was falling in the vicinity of Kīpahulu and Hāna. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Kīpahulu, Kaupō, Nāhiku, Keʻanae, Kula, Makawao, Kēōkea, Pukalani, Hāna, Huelo and Haʻikū-Paʻuwela. Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

Update: 11 a.m., Aug. 16, 2026
The outer bands of Lala are bringing heavy rain and gusty winds to portions of Maui County, Oʻahu and Kauaʻi County.

At 11 a.m. HST, the center of Tropical Storm Lala was located about 275 miles WNW of Kailua Kona, Hawaiʻi and 140 miles W of Honolulu, Oʻahu, near latitude 20.9 North, longitude 160.0 West. Lala is moving toward the west-northwest near 16 mph. A westward motion is forecast through Tuesday night, followed by a turn toward the west-northwest on Wednesday. Maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph with higher gusts.

Little intensity change is expected through Monday. Some restrengthening is forecast thereafter, and Lala could become a hurricane again on Tuesday or Wednesday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 994 mb (29.36 inches).

Tropical Storm Lala continues to bring damaging winds, heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding, and high surf to portions of the state. Heavy rain associated with the tropical storm has reached Kauaʻi. Areas of heavy rain are still occurring in portions of Oʻahu and Maui County. Rain rates have decreased across the Big Island. The center of Tropical Storm Lala is located southwest of Oʻahu and will continue generally westward as it tracks south of the island chain today.

Tropical Storm Warnings remain in effect for Maui County, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi County and surrounding coastal waters. The Tropical Storm Warning for the Big Island was canceled with the 8 a.m. HST update. Impacts can extend well beyond the center of the tropical storm, so continue to stay aware of the latest forecast and current weather conditions today.

Over the past 3 hours the heaviest rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Lala occurred over the island of Oʻahu. 3 hourly rainfall totals on the windward side of Oahu have exceeded 2 inches in multiple locations. Outer rain bands from Lala have the potential to bring periods of heavy rain to Maui County, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi County through the afternoon. For the Big Island, rainfall rates have generally decreased to one inch per hour or less. Saturated soil from receiving 15 to 35 inches over the Big Island and 6 to 10 inches over Maui over last 24 hours will keep the flood threat elevated. Heavy rainfall may persist into Monday for some areas, mainly over the western end of the island chain. Lala is expected to produce additional rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches across the Big Island with 2 to 4, locally up to 6, additional inches of rain for the smaller islands. While the highest rainfall amounts will be focused over windward areas and higher terrain, leeward areas will also have a significant flood risk.

For Oʻahu, Maui County, and Kauai County sustained winds are generally 20 to 30 mph, with isolated mountain and downslope locations experiencing gusts of 40 to 60 mph. Winds at the lower elevations of the Big Island are mainly sustained 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Winds will remain elevated over the summits of the Big Island for the next several hours. Tropical storm conditions with sustained winds over 39 mph, will continue across western portions of the state through this 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 generated by Lala will remain elevated this afternoon, decreasing from east to west this evening and tonight. Some increase in surf is also possible along exposed south-facing shores today between Maui and Kauaʻi as Lala continues westward. Significant beach erosion and overwash are still possible across vulnerable coastal infrastructure.

WIND: Tropical storm conditions, especially in gusts, are ongoing across portions of Maui County, Oahu, and Kauai County, with the strongest winds occurring in areas of higher terrain. 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.

Rain forecast (11 a.m., Aug. 16, 2026) PC: NOAA/NWS

RAINFALL: Outer bands from Lala are expected to produce additional rainfall of 1 to 2 inches across windward portions of the Big Island and windward Maui, with maximum storm totals of 30 to 40 inches over the windward Big Island. Across the remainder of the island chain an additional 2 to 4 inches of rainfall is expected, with isolated additional totals around 6 inches. This rainfall may produce flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain.

STORM SURGE: Water levels may remain elevated through the next tide cycle due to persistent large and dangerous wave activity. SURF: Swells generated by Lala will continue to build westward across the exposed windward waters today. Swells will also build over the exposed leeward waters as Lala passes south of the islands. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

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, in this case within the next 6 to 12 hours.
Interests in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument should monitor the progress of Lala.

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

Update: 10:06 a.m. HST Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026
Maui Flood Advisory extended to 1:30 p.m.

A Flood Advisory for the island of Maui has been extended to 1:30 p.m. At 10:05 a.m. HST, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain over the island of Maui. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the advisory area. Rain was falling at a rate of 0.5 to 1 inch per hour. The heaviest rain was occurring over windward and southeast slopes of Mount Haleakalā.

8:23 a.m., HST Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026
Lānaʻi Flood Advisory until 11:45 a.m.

A Flood Advisory is in effect for the island of Lānaʻi until 11:45 a.m. due to flooding caused b excessive rainfall. At 8:22 a.m. HST, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain over Lānaʻi, with rain falling at a rate of 1 to 1.5 inches per hour.

8:21 a.m., HST Sunday, Aug.16, 2026
Molokaʻi Flood Advisory extended to 11:30 a.m.

A Flood Advisory remains in effect for the island of Molokaʻi in Maui County until 11:30 a.m., due to flooding caused by excessive rainfall. At 8:20 a.m. HST, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain over Molokaʻi. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the advisory area. Rain was falling at a rate of up to 1.5 inches per hour.

Lala satellite imagery. (8 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026) PC: NOAA/NWS

Lala forecast track. (8 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026) PC: NOAA/NWS

Update: 8 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026
Heavy rain and gusty winds continue over portions of Maui County and Oʻahu.

At 8 a.m. HST, the center of Tropical Storm Lala was located about 190 miles WNW of Kailua Kona, Hawaiʻi and 75 miles SW of Honolulu, near latitude 20.7 North, longitude 158.8 West. Lala is moving toward the northwest near 14 mph but is expected to turn westward soon. Then, a continued westward motion is forecast through Tuesday night.

The center of the storm is forecast to pass south of Kauaʻi County today and move south of the easternmost Northwestern Hawaiian Islands early this week. Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 65 mph with higher gusts. Slight additional weakening is possible during the next day or so. Some restrengthening is forecast by midweek. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles from the center.

A wind gust of 67 mph was recently reported at the Marine Corps Air Station in Kaneʻohe. The estimated minimum central pressure is 994 mb (29.36 inches).

The Tropical Storm Warning for Hawaiʻi County has been discontinued.
A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for the rest of the state including: 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, in this case within the next 12 hours. Interests in the
Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument should monitor the progress of Lala.

7:11 a.m. HST Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026
Maui Flood Advisory until 10:30 a.m.

A Flood Advisory remains in effect until 10:30 a.m. for the island of Maui due to flooding caused by excessive rain. At 7:10 a.m. HST, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain over the island of Maui. Rain was falling at a rate of 0.5 to 1 inch per hour. This advisory is for the entire island of Maui.

Lala satellite imagery. (5 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026) PC: NOAA/NWS

Lala forecast track. (5 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026) PC: NOAA/NWS

Update: 5 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026
Life-threatening flooding continues across portions of Maui County and the Big Island.
Heavy rain and gusty winds are now spreading over Oʻahu.

At 5 a.m. HST, the center of Tropical Storm Lala was located about 140 miles WNW of Kailua Kona, Hawaiʻi and 75 miles S of Honolulu, near latitude 20.2 North, longitude 158.1 West. Lala is moving toward the northwest near 14 mph but is expected to turn westward later today. A continued westward motion is forecast through Tuesday night.

The core of the storm is forecast to remain south of the smaller main Hawaiian Islands and the easternmost Northwestern Hawaiian Islands during the next couple of days. Maximum sustained winds are near 70 mph with higher gusts. Slight additional weakening is expected during the next day or so. Some restrengthening is forecast by midweek. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles from the center.

A weather station (Ilio 1) on the northwestern portion of Molokai at an elevation of 175 ft recently reported a sustained wind of 53 mph and a gust of 69 mph. The estimated minimum central pressure is 991 mb (29.27 inches).

WIND: Tropical storm conditions continue across portions of the Big Island of Hawaii and Maui County, with the strongest winds occurring in areas of higher terrain. Tropical storm conditions will spread across Oahu this morning and Kauai County later today. 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 additional rainfall of 1 to 3 inches across windward portions of the the Big Island and windward Maui, with maximum storm total of 30 to 35 inches over the windward Big Island. Across the remainder of the island chain total rainfall of 2 to 6 inches is expected, with the highest totals over windward Kauai. 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… Oʻahu…1-2 ft Kauai…1-2 ft The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast, where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves.

SURF: Swells generated by Lala will continue to build westward across the exposed windward waters today. Swells will also build over the exposed leeward waters 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 Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for: Hawaiʻi County; 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.

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

Update: 5:17 a.m., HST Sunday, August. 16, 2026
Lānaʻi Flood Advisory until 8:45 a.m.

The island of Lānaʻi is under a Flood Advisory until 5:17 a.m. due to flooding caused by excessive rainfall. At 5:16 a.m. HST, Doppler radar indicated moderate to locally heavy rain over Lānaʻi. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the advisory area. Bands of heavy rain is expected to move in from the southeast over the next few hours. Some locations that will experience flooding include: Lānaʻi City, Manele and Lanai Airport.

Update: 5:14 a.m., HST Sunday, August. 16, 2026
Molokaʻi Flood Advisory extended to 8:30 a.m.

The island of Molokaʻi remains under a Flood Advisory until 8:30 a.m. due to flooding cased by excessive rainfall. Minor flooding on roads, poor drainage areas, and in streams. River or stream flows are elevated. At 5:13 a.m. HST, Doppler radar indicated moderate to locally heavy rain over Molokai. Rain was falling at a rate of up to 1.5 inches per hour. Minor flooding is ongoing the advisory area. Additional moderate to heavy showers are expected over the next several hours. Some locations that will experience flooding include: Kaunakakai, Kualapuʻu, Hoʻolehua, Kalaupapa National Park, Kawela, Kamalo, ʻUalapuʻe, Maunaloa, Pūkoʻo, Kepuhi, Hālawa Valley and Molokaʻi Airport.

Update: 4:15 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026
Flood Watch for Maui and Big Island to 6 p.m.

A Flood Watch is in effect for Maui and the Big Island of Hawaiʻi until 6 p.m. due to flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall. Flood prone roads and other low lying areas may be closed due to elevated runoff and overflowing streams. Although Tropical Storm Lala has moved west of the islands, trailing rain bands could bring additional heavy rain to the Big Island and Maui County through this afternoon. Torrential rainfall over the past 24 hours has created saturated grounds. It
will not take a significant amount of rain to produce additional flash flooding.

Update: 3:45 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026
Maui Flash Flood Warning issued until 5 a.m.

A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for the island of Maui until 5 a.m. At 3:45 a.m. HST, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain bands across Maui. Rain was falling at a rate of 0.5 to 1.5 inches per hour with the heaviest rainfall over the slopes of Haleakalā. Local streams remain elevated and flash flooding is ongoing. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Kahului, Kīhei, Lahaina, Kula, Pukalani, Makawao, Hāliʻimaile, Kēōkea, Pāiʻa, Puʻunēnē, Haʻikū-Paʻuwela and Paʻuwela. Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the
dangers of flooding. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.

Lala satellite imagery. (2 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026) PC: NOAA/NWS

Lala forecast track. (2 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026) PC: NOAA/NWS

Update: 2 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026
Damaging winds and heavy rain continue across the Big Island and Maui County.
Conditions expected to deteriorate across Oʻahu this morning.

At 2 a.m. HST, the center of Tropical Storm Lala was located about 105 miles WNW of Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi and 100 miles S of Honolulu, near latitude 19.9 North, longitude 157.6 West. Lala is moving toward the northwest near 15 mph. A gradual westward turn with an increase in forward speed is expected today, followed by a continued westward motion through Tuesday.

The core of the storm is forecast to remain south of the smaller main Hawaiian Islands and the easternmost Northwestern Hawaiian Islands during the next couple of days. Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 70 mph with higher gusts. A gradual weakening trend is forecast today and Monday. Some restrengthening is possible by midweek. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 991 mb (29.27 inches).

WIND: Tropical storm conditions will persist across portions of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi early this morning, with the strongest winds expected in areas of higher terrain. Tropical storm conditions will spread westward from Maui County to Oʻahu this morning, then to Kauaʻi County later today. 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 additional rainfall of 4 to 8 inches across the Big Island and windward Maui, with maximum storm total of 30 to 35 inches over the windward Big Island. Across the remainder of the island chain total rainfall of 4 to 6 inches, with maximum amounts of 8 inches, is expected. 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.

The Hurricane Warning for Hawaiʻi County has been replaced with a Tropical Storm Warning.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for: Hawaiʻi County; 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.

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

Quick links:

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 Hawaiʻi 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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