Maui County temporary service sites to close as threats from Lowell diminish

The County of Maui will close two temporary service sites at 5 p.m., Sept. 8, 2026, in West Maui and in Central Maui after the National Weather Service (NWS) Flood Watch tied to Hurricane Lowell expired this afternoon, according to Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).

High tides and hurricane-fueled waves caused coastal flooding and debris that forced road closures in South Maui and in West Maui starting late last night and early this morning.

As a result, the County partnered with American Red Cross to open temporary service sites this morning at Lahaina Civic Center in Lahaina and at Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku to support residents with safe facilities equipped with charging stations for personal electronic devices.

Government and private contractor crews worked to reopen many coastal roadways today. Motorists should avoid affected areas, use alternate routes and allow additional travel time. Do not drive around barricades or attempt to cross flooded roads. For updated road closures, visit mauicounty.gov/roadclosures. 

Kamaʻole Beach Parks I, II and III, along with Keawakapu Beach Parks I and II, closed today due to coastal flooding impacts. They will likely remain closed Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. For County Department of Parks and Recreation park, beach and facility updates and closures, visit Department News Park Closures at www.mauicounty.gov/parks.

The County of Maui Department of Environmental Management Solid Waste Division closed Olowalu Convenience Center today due to the Honoapiʻilani Highway closure from coastal flooding. The convenience center is expected to reopen for normal hours on Sept. 9.

Lowell has weakened and will continue to move away from Hawai’i tonight and Wednesday, leaving the islands humid. Although there are no watches or warnings in effect for Maui County, NWS said heavy rain, flash flooding and high surf could continue for some parts of the state.

For emergency information, visit mauicounty.gov/MEMA.