Hawaiʻi Island and most Maui public schools to reopen Monday; Four Lahaina schools remain closed

All Hawaiʻi State Department of Education public schools on Hawaiʻi Island and most schools in Maui County will reopen Monday, Sept. 28, following precautionary closures ahead of Hurricane Nolo.

Four Lahaina schools will remain closed Monday due to ongoing power outages, uncertainty surrounding the nearby Olowalu brush fire and concerns about maintaining reliable water service at the campuses. The following Lahaina schools will remain closed Monday:

• King Kamehameha III Elementary School
• Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary School
• Lahaina Intermediate School
• Lahainaluna High School

Hurricane Nolo did not cause significant damage to Department campuses. Some communities on Hawaiʻi Island experienced flooding, high winds and temporary road closures, but campus assessments indicate that schools are ready to reopen and roads serving affected communities are accessible.

In Maui County, power has been restored to most affected areas, allowing the majority of schools to resume normal operations Monday. Widespread power outages remain in Lahaina, however, and the utility has indicated that inspections and restoration efforts have been affected by weather conditions. With the Olowalu brush fire still active and the duration of the power outage uncertain, the Department cannot yet ensure reliable water service at the four Lahaina campuses.

The Department will continue monitoring conditions in West Maui and coordinating with county emergency management officials and utility providers to determine when the four schools can safely reopen.

Families and employees are encouraged to monitor official Department and school communications for updates.