Conditions improve in Hawaii as Tropical Storm Lala moves offshore

Conditions across Hawaii are gradually improving as Tropical Storm Lala moves away from the Hawaiian Islands, but weather alerts and widespread park closures remain in place.

According to an Aug. 16 update from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, conditions have peaked, with infrastructure response teams, utility crews and emergency management personnel now clearing road debris, assessing damage and working to restore power in localized areas.

A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Kauaʻi County through Monday night (Aug. 17), while a Flood Watch remains in place for Kauaʻi, Oʻahu and Maui counties.

Airports remain open

All airports on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island remain open, although some flights across the state may still be affected, says the tourism authority.

Travellers are being advised to confirm their flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport and to allow extra time for check-in and security screenings.

Airlines have also activated flexible travel waivers for impacted flights, with travellers encouraged to consult their carrier directly for the latest rebooking options.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation is asking residents and visitors to stay off roads as much as possible while crews clear debris and repair infrastructure.

High surf and elevated swells also remain a concern along east-facing shores.

Ocean users are being urged to follow posted safety advisories, while the Hawaii Department of Health is advising beachgoers to avoid water that appears brown or murky.

Closures remain across the islands

On the Big Island, all tropical storm warnings and flood watches have been lifted, says the tourism authority.

However, several attractions remain closed until further notice, including Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, ʻImiloa Astronomy Center, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park and Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site.

Kīlauea Military Camp and Volcano House remain open to registered guests only. All state and county parks on the island are also closed until further notice.

Tropical storm warnings have been cancelled for Maui, Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi, although a Flood Watch remains in effect through Monday night.

Haleakalā National Park is closed until further notice and sunrise reservations have been cancelled. State and county parks are also closed, say tourism officials.

On Oʻahu, the tropical storm warning has also been cancelled, while a Flood Watch remains in effect through Monday night.

All state and county parks on Oʻahu remain closed until further notice, including ʻIolani Palace and Queen Emma Summer Palace. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is closed through Aug. 19 due to previously scheduled construction unrelated to the storm.

Power outages

Flooding rain and damaging winds continued to batter parts of Hawaii Sunday (Aug. 16) after the hurricane swept past the islands overnight before weakening into a tropical storm.

Lala weakened slightly Sunday morning, with sustained winds of 65 mph, but continued to bring heavy rainfall and strong gusts across the state.

More than 200,000 customers were without electricity across the Hawaiian Islands, with nearly 70 per cent of customers on the Big Island experiencing outages, reports say.

Hurricane-force wind gusts were recorded in Hawaii, Honolulu and Maui counties, with the islands’ mountainous terrain intensifying winds at higher elevations.

The storm also left a trail of property damage. At least 100 homes were damaged or destroyed, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said during a news conference Sunday.

Flooding remained another major concern as Lala moved away from the islands.

Oahu, home to the state capital of Honolulu, was under a flash flood warning Sunday afternoon as heavy rainfall continued.

The Big Island had already experienced flash flooding Saturday night as the storm approached.

Although Lala has weakened from a hurricane, hazardous conditions are lingering across parts of the state as communities begin assessing damage and crews respond to widespread power outages

Warning remains for Kauaʻi

Kauaʻi remains under both a Tropical Storm Warning and Flood Watch through Monday night, says the tourism authority.

Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park, including the Kalalau Trail, Nuʻalolo Kai and Miloliʻi Beach, is closed until further notice. Overnight camping on the Kalalau Trail was suspended beginning Friday.

All state and county parks on Kauaʻi are also closed until further notice.

Meanwhile, the Government of Canada has removed its regional advisory for Hawaii County and information on Tropical Storm Lala.

Hawaii Tourism is advising travellers to continue monitoring official sources, including the National Weather Service Central Pacific Hurricane Centre, and to check conditions before travelling around the islands.

Visitors can also contact Hawaii's visitor information line at 1-800-GOHAWAII or by email at info@gohawaii.com.

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