Multiple sources report that Tropical Storm/Hurricane Lala struck Hawaii on August 16, 2026, knocking out power to tens of thousands of customers across the state, including significant outages on Maui. The storm caused widespread damage statewide, and Hawaiian Electric warned that some customers — particularly in rural areas — should prepare for extended or multi-week outages.
- At its peak, approximately 28,700 Maui County customers were without power, affecting West Maui, Upcountry, South and Central Maui, Haiku, Lanai, and Molokai.
- By Sunday evening, roughly 7,000 Maui customers remained without power, concentrated in Kula, Haiku, Olinda, and Piiholo, with a few spot outages in West, Central, and South Maui. (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)
- Statewide, over 178,000 HECO customers were still without power Sunday evening, including about 126,500 on Oahu and 44,900 on Hawaii Island.
- Hawaiian Electric warned that restoration in the hardest-hit rural areas could take weeks, and has requested aid through the Western Region Mutual Assistance Group; approximately 100 mainland utility crew members are expected to arrive as early as Tuesday. (Maui News)
- At least 100 homes statewide were damaged or lost in the storm, according to Gov. Josh Green; Hawaii County reported some homes were swept off their foundations. (Kten)
- All state and county offices, schools, courts, and Judiciary offices were ordered closed Monday. (Kten)
- A flood watch remained overnight for Maui, Oahu, and Kauai counties even as tropical storm warnings were lifted; emergency officials warned of continued hazards including flooded areas and downed power lines.
- Maui County Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and American Red Cross opened a charging station with Wi-Fi and emergency shelter at Eddie Tam Memorial Center in Makawao at 7 p.m. Sunday for Upcountry residents without power. (Maui County)
- Residents should treat all downed power lines as energized and dangerous; downed lines on Maui can be reported to HECO at 1-855-304-8181.
Sources
- Honolulu Star-Advertiser: Power out for 178k HECO customers; company says ‘prepare for extended outages’
- Maui County: MEMA Alert: Due to extended power outages Upcountry, County charging station, shelter to open at Eddie Tam
- Kten: Tens of thousands without power and more than 100 homes damaged as Tropical Storm Lala moves away from Hawaii
- Maui News: About 28,700 Maui County customers without power Sunday morning
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