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Hurricane Lala Prompts Hawaii Emergency, Warning of 25 Inches

8/15/2026

Summary

Green Declares Emergency

Gov. Josh Green declared an emergency as the Hurricane Center issued a hurricane warning for Hawaii County.
Meteorologist Vanessa Almanza said Lala should become a hurricane by early Saturday, bringing near-hurricane winds to high elevations.
The National Hurricane Center warned of flooding, mudslides and storm surge and forecast up to 25 inches of rain on the Big Island, 8-12 inches island-wide.

Summary

Hurricane Hunters Probe

Air Force Hurricane Hunters have flown into Hurricane Lala, collecting real-time data on its intensity.
This year’s unusually strong El Niño has warmed Pacific waters, adding fuel for storms like Lala.
Lala’s strongest winds are on its northern side because wind shear and dry air have made the storm lopsided.
Hawaii’s last hurricane landfall was Category 4 Iniki in 1992, with the Big Island’s last direct hurricane-strength hit occurring in 1871.

Summary

Alaska Cancels Flights

Alaska Airlines canceled five inter-island flights Friday and suspended 23 scheduled flights Saturday as Lala approached the islands.
The Department of Public Works placed 17 sand piles, delivering over 200 tons of sand to protect against flooding and mudslides.
Big Island bus service stopped Saturday-Sunday while Honolulu driver-licensing centers closed for the weekend.
Hawaii County opened 14 shelters at 6 p.m. Friday, including Hisaoka Gym, Waikoloa Elementary cafeteria and Pahoa Community Center.

History

Historical Context

In September 1992 Hurricane Iniki struck Kauai as a Category 4 storm, inflicting $3.1 billion in damage, seven deaths and sheltering roughly 30,000 residents. The failure of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center to warn in time led Governor John Waihee to overhaul Hawaii’s disaster response. Echoing that legacy, Governor Josh Green declared a state of emergency for Hurricane Lala in 2024.

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Green Declares Emergency

Gov. Josh Green declared an emergency as the Hurricane Center issued a hurricane warning for Hawaii County.
Meteorologist Vanessa Almanza said Lala should become a hurricane by early Saturday, bringing near-hurricane winds to high elevations.
The National Hurricane Center warned of flooding, mudslides and storm surge and forecast up to 25 inches of rain on the Big Island, 8-12 inches island-wide.

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