Tropical Storm Lala is marching towards the Hawaiian Islands, putting tourism operators, airlines and travellers on notice ahead of a weekend that may deliver damaging winds, torrential rain and dangerous surf.
The latest official forecast places Lala near or just south of Hawai‘i Island on Saturday. However, forecasters warn that landfall remains possible and that hazardous conditions can extend well beyond the storm’s centre.
In other words, this is no time to judge the threat by a thin line on a weather map. Tropical cyclones rarely display much respect for holiday itineraries—or checkout times.
A hurricane watch is in force for Hawai‘i Island and its surrounding waters. It means hurricane conditions are possible, though not yet certain. Visitors and tourism businesses should use the remaining preparation window wisely.
According to the latest available National Hurricane Centre advisory, Lala was carrying maximum sustained winds of about 50 mph, or 85 km/h, during Thursday’s reporting period. Further strengthening was forecast as the system moved west-northwest.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu said tropical storm impacts could reach the eastern end of the state starting Friday night and continue through the weekend.
Flooding and dangerous surf threaten islands
Heavy rainfall presents one of the most serious concerns. Forecast totals of five to 10 inches—approximately 125 to 250 millimetres—are possible, with locally higher falls where moisture-laden winds meet mountainous terrain.
Hawai‘i Island and Maui currently face the greatest likelihood of significant rain. Nevertheless, heavy bands could eventually affect Lāna‘i, Moloka‘i, O‘ahu and Kaua‘i as Lala tracks westward.
Flash flooding, rapidly rising streams and hazardous road conditions may follow. Visitors should never drive, walk or cycle through floodwater, regardless of whether a rental vehicle’s brochure describes it as “adventure ready”.
Powerful easterly swells are also expected to build. The National Weather Service says dangerous surf could develop around Maui and Hawai‘i Island on Saturday before reaching O‘ahu and Kaua‘i from Saturday night into Sunday.
Beaches may look spectacular during a tropical system, but they are not grandstands. Visitors should obey closures, warning signs and lifeguard instructions and remain well clear of exposed shorelines.
Hawai‘i remains open but preparation matters
The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority says hotels remain open and continue to welcome guests. Travellers scheduled to arrive in the coming weeks have not been advised to abandon their plans.
Those arriving during the immediate weather window should take a more practical approach. Check flight status before leaving for the airport, confirm accommodation arrangements and ensure airlines have current mobile and email contact details.
Airlines remain the authoritative source for individual flight delays, cancellations and rebooking arrangements. Travellers should use official airline apps and websites instead of relying on airport gossip, social media speculation, or a cousin who once flew through Honolulu.
Tours, cruises, transfers and outdoor activities may also be altered or cancelled at short notice. Guests should contact operators directly and avoid assuming that yesterday’s timetable will survive tomorrow’s weather.
Visitors already in Hawai‘i may be asked to remain inside their hotel or accommodation during the most severe conditions. They should follow directions from accommodation staff, county emergency managers, and public safety authorities.
Essential preparations include charging mobile devices and power banks, keeping medication and identification readily accessible, securing loose balcony items and knowing the location of the safest part of the accommodation.
Emergency alerts provide local information
Emergency instructions can vary by island, making county-specific alerts particularly valuable. The Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency confirms that Hawai‘i’s four counties provide free emergency notifications covering natural disasters and civic emergencies.
Visitors can register for the relevant service:
- Hawai‘i Island: Text HAWAIIALERTS to 888777
- Kaua‘i: Text KAUAIEMA to 888777
- Maui County: Text MAUIALERTS to 38276
- O‘ahu: Text HNLALERT to 888777
The GoHawaii visitor website and GoHawaii mobile app provide further visitor information. Assistance is also available at 1-800-GOHAWAII, which operates 24 hours a day.
For authoritative forecasts, travellers and travel advisers should consult the National Hurricane Centre, the National Weather Service Honolulu, and the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency.
Lala’s precise track and intensity may still change. The sensible course is neither panic nor complacency, but good old-fashioned preparation: monitor official updates, heed local directions and give the Pacific the respect it has thoroughly earned.
Weather information was verified against official US and Hawai‘i Government sources available on 13 August 2026, Hawai‘i time. Forecasts and warnings can change quickly.
By: Sandra Jones – © 2026.
Read Time: 4 minutes.
Author Bio:
Sandra has spent a working lifetime quietly rescuing journeys, one itinerary, one anxious caller, one impossible connection at a time. Years in Australia’s finest travel agencies taught her the art of calm, how to find a flight in a fog of cancellations, how to soothe a traveller when luggage wanders, how to turn nine frantic days in Europe into something resembling sense. Qualified, seasoned, endlessly patient, she learned that good travel advice is part logistics, part listening.
But the storyteller in her was always waiting its turn. Writing offered a new map, a way to turn experience into reflection, detail into delight. At Global Travel Media, Sandra now writes the truths only insiders know: the mishaps, the laughter, the grace found between gates and goodbyes. She reminds us that travel, for all its fuss, is still one of life’s better ideas.
