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Hurricane Lala Leaves 200,000 Without Power in Hawaii

8/20/2026

26 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Hurricane Lala Devastates

Hurricane Lala brushed the Big Island as a Category 1 storm on August 15 and dropped a record 43.54 inches of rain in Laupahoehoe Aug 14-16.
The storm left over 200,000 customers without power, swept 100 homes off foundations, and caused at least two deaths.
Eight Oahu refuge sites opened as National Hurricane Center warned the season could produce 5-13 cyclones and a disturbance had a 90 percent chance of becoming a tropical storm.

Summary

Tourists Endure Outage

Tourists Sydney Ambrose and her family lost power at a Kaanapali restaurant and hotel, forcing them to sleep in hot rooms.
Maui hotel guests gathered on ground floors to use the few working outlets, showing strain on visitor accommodations.
Hawaiian Electric said extensive damage in remote areas is slowing power restoration for resorts.
A boil-water notice was issued in Pahala after water service resumed, urging caution for residents and tourists.

History

Historical Context

On September 11 1992 Hurricane Iniki slammed Kauai as a Category 4 storm, destroying more than 1,400 homes, causing $3.1 billion in damage and prompting Governor John Waihee to declare a state of emergency and a $1.2 billion FEMA rebuild effort. The disaster reshaped Hawaii’s building codes and grid upgrades, a legacy that now guides officials as Hurricane Lala threatens over 200,000 customers.

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Hurricane Lala Devastates

Hurricane Lala brushed the Big Island as a Category 1 storm on August 15 and dropped a record 43.54 inches of rain in Laupahoehoe Aug 14-16.
The storm left over 200,000 customers without power, swept 100 homes off foundations, and caused at least two deaths.
Eight Oahu refuge sites opened as National Hurricane Center warned the season could produce 5-13 cyclones and a disturbance had a 90 percent chance of becoming a tropical storm.

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