Hurricanes Lala, Lowell, and Nolo struck Hawaii in succession during the 2026 season, causing flooding, power outages, beach erosion, and widespread damage across the islands, including West Maui. The storms compounded ongoing hardships for the region still recovering from the 2023 Lahaina fires.
- Hurricane Lala caused flash flooding on East Maui, knocked out power for hundreds of thousands, and resulted in at least four fatalities and $81.4 million in total losses statewide.
- Hurricane Lowell’s high tides and waves stripped sand from many Maui beaches, leaving behind exposed volcanic rock.
- Hurricane Nolo stalled west of the islands and sent hurricane-force winds into West Maui the weekend of Sept. 26–27, cutting power, cell service, and internet.
- Hawaiian Electric warned of preemptive power shutoffs if wind conditions were deemed dangerous, similar to protocols seen during the 2023 Lahaina fire event.
- NOAA had predicted an above-normal central Pacific hurricane season running June 1 through November 30, with more storm activity still possible.
Source: Santacruzsentinel
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