(BIVN) – The island of Hawaiʻi is under a Hurricane Warning, as Tropical Storm Lala is expected to strengthen while it churns towards the Big Island. The County of Hawai‘i is urging residents to complete their preparations for the arrival of the storm, which could produce damaging wind and flooding rain starting on Friday evening.
Some areas could see as much as 25 inches of rain. A peak storm surge of up to three feet is possible along coastal areas.
“This is a quickly evolving situation and we urge our residents to act now to prepare for the storm by checking your emergency supplies, securing your property, and contacting neighbors who may need assistance,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda in a news release. “Readiness requires all of us, and with a storm this close, a slight change in its track can greatly enhance rain and wind hazards across the island. We encourage everyone to stay safe, stay connected and be prepared to hunker down and stay home during severe weather.”
The County provided a list of closures and cancellations ahead of Lala’s arrival.
Shelters
The County will be opening shelters as of 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14 at the locations below. Bring your own food, water, and any necessary medicine.
- Ikuo Hisaoka Gymnasium, 54-382 Kamehameha Park Road, Kapaʻau.
- Waikoloa Elementary School cafeteria, 68-1730 Hoʻoko St., Waikoloa.
- Kahilu Theater, 67-1186 Lindsey Road, Waimea
- Honokaʻa Gym, 45-541 Lehua St., Honokaʻa.
- Laupāhoehoe Public Charter School Band Room, 35-2605 Mamalahoa Highway, Laupāhoehoe.
- Waiākea High School Gym, 155 W. Kawili St., Hilo
- Keaʻau Armory, 16-512 Volcano Road, Keaʻau.
- Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility, 15-2910 Kauhale St., Pāhoa.
- Robert N. Herkes Gym, 96-1219 Kamani St., Pāhala.
- Nāʻālehu Elementary School gym, 95-5545 Mamalahoa Highway, Nāʻālehu.
- Kealakehe High School Gym, 74-5000 Puohulihuli St., Kailua-Kona.
- Yano Hall, 82-6156 Māmalahoa Highway, Captain Cook.
County Closures and Facility Impacts
- Camping permits are cancelled for Friday night and Saturday night.
- All solid waste facilities, including transfer stations, are closed on Saturday.
Schools
Hawaiʻi Island public schools will maintain normal school-day operations on Friday. Campuses will close after 5:30 p.m. due to the storm. All previously scheduled school-related events and activities during the closure period will be canceled or postponed.
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and Hawaiʻi Community College campuses, offices, and off-campus locations will be closed Saturday, August 15 through Sunday, August 16, 2026, for precautionary measures. Normal operations are scheduled to return on Monday, August 17, 2026.
All UH events are cancelled, including athletics events.
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center will be closed as well as the Maunakea Visitors Center. Access above the Visitors Center is restricted to essential personnel.
Hawaiʻi County Event Cancellations
The following events sponsored by the County or hosted at County facilities have been cancelled due to the storm:
- Hawaiʻi Island Agrifood Summit in Honokaʻa and Waimea.
- Hulu Street Evacuation Drill in Waikoloa.
- Island Showdown at Hilo Drag Strip. (Cancelled for Saturday, Aug. 15).
National Park Service
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park will be closing multiple areas over Thursday and Friday. Kilauea Military Camp, Volcano House and the A-frame cabins at Nāmakanipaio will remain open for registered guests only. Lodging guests must shelter in place and not recreate outdoors for everyone’s safety.
The annual Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival at Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site schgeduled for Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, has been cancelled.
Bus Service
Hele-On Kako‘o Paratransit Services will end at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14.
All fixed route Hele-On buses and Paratransit services will be cancelled on Saturday, Aug. 15 and Sunday, Aug. 16.
Fixed route cancellations and modifications for Friday, Aug. 14 can be viewed at https://x.com/heleonbus or by calling 808-961-8744 ext. 1.
General Safety Information
- Know the areas that are prone to flooding, especially near your home, and use extra caution around them. Heavy rain uphill from your location can cause flooding, even if it’s not raining where you are.
- Be prepared for road closures and extended power outages.
- Never try to cross moving water, on foot or in a vehicle: “Turn around, don’t drown.”
- Monitor local forecasts from reliable sources for the latest information about the storm and its potential hazards.
- Have a “go bag” ready in case you must evacuate the area, especially if your home is in an area prone to flooding. It should include food, water, necessary medication, important documents, and other necessities for the members of your household (including pets) if you need to leave in a hurry.
- Check the area around your home. Trim tree limbs and secure awnings, umbrellas and other objects that could become airborne and damage your roof or windows. Remove debris that may block drainage and increase the chance of flooding.
- Check in with neighbors, especially those who may have mobility problems, to make sure they have a safe way to evacuate if flooding strikes.
Sandbags can be requested by contacting the Department of Public Works at dpwhwy@hawaiicounty.gov or 808-961-8349. For after-hours requests, contact Civil Defense at 808-935-0031. Sandpile locations can be found here.
