Hawaii Braces for First Direct Hurricane Hit in 34 Years

Sun Sep 06 2026 02:27:37 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Hawaii faces a potential first direct hit from a hurricane since 1992 as Category 1 Lala approaches the Big Island, threatening up to 25 in of rain and a 3‑ft surge.

Hawaii is on high alert as Hurricane Lala, a Category 1 storm, threatens a direct hit on the Big Island—its first such impact since 1992. At peak, the storm could dump 25 inches of rain and bring a 3‑ft surge, prompting strict warnings and evacuation plans. Flights have been largely grounded, and the National Weather Service has issued major flooding warnings for the southeast. Governor Josh Green urges residents to prepare for heavy rain, winds and surf, while Civil Defense agencies activate shelters. The situation remains fluid as Lala may continue to weaken while skirting the southern tip of the island.

Hawaii Braces for Possible First Direct Hurricane Hit in 34 Years

Hawaii is on alert as a Category 1 hurricane, Lala, moves toward the Big Island, potentially the first direct hit in 34 years since 1992.

Lala’s winds are expected to reach 75 mph (120 km/h). In a worst‑case scenario, the storm could dump up to 25 inches (63 cm) of rain on the Big Island and produce a 3‑ft (0.9 m) storm surge.

A hurricane warning is in effect for Big Island, while Maui, Oahu, Kauai and Niihau are under tropical storm warnings. Officials are urging residents to prepare for life‑threatening conditions, including floods and mudslides.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued heated alerts for southeastern Big Island, warning that major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues, and that rivers and tributaries could overflow rapidly in multiple places.

Governor Josh Green warned on X that residents should brace for “an incredible amount of water.” He noted that damaging winds, heavy rain, flash flooding and dangerous surf were possible across the state through the weekend.

Flights have been largely grounded: at Kona International Airport, 40 % of flights were grounded, while at Hilo International Airport, 80 % were canceled.

The state’s Civil Defense Agency announced that shelters are available in every county on Big Island and urged everyone to complete storm‑ready preparations and focus on their sheltering plan.

The last direct hurricane hit on the Big Island was the 155‑year‑old storm in 1852 according to the Associated Press, and the previous modern direct hit was the powerful Category 4 Hurricane Iniki in 1992, which caused six deaths and $3 bn in damage on Kauai.

Lala will continue moving westward over the weekend, possibly weakening into a tropical storm, with the center passing just below Hawaii’s other islands.