Hurricane Warning Issued for the Big Island as Tropical Storm Lala Closes In

A hurricane warning is in effect for the entire Big Island as Tropical Storm Lala pushes toward Hawaiʻi, and the National Weather Service says the system is likely to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane before it arrives this weekend. As of Friday morning, Lala was carrying maximum sustained winds near 60 mph and tracking west-northwest at about 12 mph, roughly 420 miles east-southeast of Hilo.

The storm formed Thursday in the Pacific and has steadily organized since. Forecasters expect its closest approach to Hawaiʻi Island on Saturday, with the core then sliding south of the rest of the island chain on Sunday. Even if Lala’s center stays offshore, its size and moisture mean the whole state should brace for impacts.

Where things stand right now

The biggest threat is water, not just wind

The headline danger with Lala is rain. Forecasters are calling for 8 inches to a foot of rainfall across Maui and the Big Island, with locally extreme totals of up to 25 inches possible over Hawaiʻi Island’s windward and higher terrain. When that much moisture wrings out over steep slopes, streams can rise in minutes.

Rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain. — National Weather Service

A Flood Watch is up statewide, and the “orographic” nature of island rain means the mountains will squeeze out far more than the coast — so a sunny beach town and a soaked upcountry road can happen at the same time. Winds on windward and higher slopes can run up to 30% stronger than what’s measured near the surface.

Surf and the shoreline

A High Surf Warning is in effect for east-facing shores. Waves running 8 to 12 feet Friday night are forecast to build to 15 to 20 feet on Saturday, bringing dangerous shorebreak, strong rip currents and localized coastal flooding. This is not a weekend for the water on the east side.

What the county is doing

Hawaiʻi County opened a dozen emergency shelters at 6 p.m. Friday. Officials remind residents that these are come-as-you-are shelters — bring your own food, water, medications and bedding, since supplies are not provided. Sandbags are available through the county’s Department of Public Works for those in flood-prone spots.

If you’re on-island, a few smart moves

• Charge up and stock up. Top off devices, fuel and cash, and set aside at least a few days of water and non-perishable food per person.
• Know your flood risk. If you’re near a stream, gulch or the coast, identify where you’d go and don’t wait for water to rise before moving.
• Secure the outside. Bring in or tie down anything the wind can carry — lawn furniture, umbrellas, construction materials.
• Never drive through floodwater. Turn around; most flood deaths happen in vehicles.
• Follow official channels. Lean on the Central Pacific Hurricane Center and Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense for the latest — conditions can shift quickly.

A note for our clients and homeowners

For owners with property on the Big Island or Maui, now is the time for a quick pre-storm check: clear gutters and drains, photograph the home’s condition for insurance, secure the lanai, and confirm your caretaker or property manager has a plan. If you’re working with us on a listing or a purchase in the affected areas, we’ll be in touch about any showings or inspections that need to shift — safety comes first, and the islands always come back green.

We’ll keep this post updated as the Central Pacific Hurricane Center issues new advisories. Take care of each other out there. 🤙