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Lala Leaves Severe Flood and Wind Damage Across Hawaiʻi's Kaʻū District, Punaluʻu Bake Shop Badly Hit

Lala Leaves Severe Flood and Wind Damage Across Hawaiʻi's Kaʻū District, Punaluʻu Bake Shop Badly Hit

The Kaʻū District on Hawaii's Big Island has experienced widespread devastation following Hurricane Lala, which skirted South Point on Saturday. Although not a direct hit, the hurricane brought sustained winds of 70 mph and heavy rainfall, transforming small streams into raging rivers. This led to significant damage to roads, cutting off the Green Sands Beach Subdivision and impacting communities such as Nāʻālehu, Waiʻohinu, and Pāhala. The Punaluʻu Bakery in Nāʻālehu, a beloved local establishment, was inundated by floodwaters, mud, and boulders, with General Manager Zach Kennedy describing the damage as catastrophic. Many residents in the affected areas are currently without communication and power, and Nāʻālehu Elementary School has been forced to close due to storm-related impacts and road closures.
USA Today USA Today
As Lala moves on, flooding dangers linger across Hawaii. Live updates

As Lala moves on, flooding dangers linger across Hawaii. Live updates

Tropical Storm Lala moved away from Hawaii, but flooding, mudslides and dangerous surf remained concerns Monday after the storm inundated communities.
AP News AP News
Lala is again a tropical storm, sending drenching rain and high winds across the Hawaiian islands

Lala is again a tropical storm, sending drenching rain and high winds across the Hawaiian islands

Hurricane Lala has weakened to a tropical storm after skirting Hawaii without making landfall, but it's not done punishing the Big Island with hurricane-force gusts
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Hawaii Begins Recovery After Tropical Storm Lala's Destruction

Hawaii Begins Recovery After Tropical Storm Lala's Destruction

Hawaii is in recovery mode after Tropical Storm Lala caused widespread damage across the islands. The storm, which weakened from a hurricane on Sunday, brought heavy rainfall, flooding, and strong winds. Approximately 117,300 customers lost power, and flash flooding isolated remote communities. Public schools and state offices were closed on Monday as cleanup efforts began. The storm is now moving westward and is expected to regain hurricane strength far from land by midweek. Despite the destruction, no fatalities have been reported (Bozeman Daily Chronicle, 2026-08-17).
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Hawai‘i Residents Urged to Act Quickly on Insurance Claims After Storm Damage

Hawai‘i Residents Urged to Act Quickly on Insurance Claims After Storm Damage

The Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division is advising residents to promptly file insurance claims for damages caused by recent severe weather. Homeowners, renters, and vehicle owners are encouraged to document all damages with photos or videos and keep records of related expenses, such as temporary repairs, hotel stays, and meals. Residents should contact their insurance providers immediately to report losses, obtain claim numbers, and confirm deadlines for submitting documentation. The department has also released a 'Post-Disaster Insurance Claims Guide' and an instructional video to assist residents in navigating the claims process. These resources provide step-by-step guidance on documenting losses, understanding coverage, and working with insurers. Residents are also reminded to review their insurance policies annually and ensure they are adequately covered for future events. [Source: Big Island Now, 2026-08-16, 13:00 GMT]
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Hawai‘i Residents Urged to Expedite Insurance Claims After Storms

Hawai‘i Residents Urged to Expedite Insurance Claims After Storms

The Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division is advising residents to promptly file insurance claims for damages caused by recent severe weather (Big Island Now, 2026-08-16). Homeowners, renters, and vehicle owners are encouraged to document all damages with photos or videos and report losses to their insurance providers immediately. Residents are also advised to keep records of all expenses related to the damage, such as temporary repairs, hotel stays, and meals. The department has provided resources, including a 'Post-Disaster Insurance Claims Guide,' to assist residents in navigating the claims process. Additionally, the division recommends reviewing insurance policies annually and creating a home inventory to streamline future claims.
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Tropical Storm Lala Causes Widespread Damage Across Hawaii

Tropical Storm Lala Causes Widespread Damage Across Hawaii

Tropical Storm Lala has left a trail of destruction across Hawaii, with Governor Josh Green estimating damages in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Over 100 homes and eight bridges were damaged on the Big Island, which also experienced over 25 inches of rain, leading to landslides and debris accumulation. Power outages have affected approximately 200,000 residents across Oʻahu, Maui, and the Big Island, with restoration efforts expected to take weeks or even months in some areas. Flash floods, road closures, and downed trees have further complicated recovery efforts. Emergency shelters have been set up, housing over 300 individuals statewide. The storm, which was downgraded from a hurricane, has caused significant disruptions, including flight cancellations and school closures.
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Hawaii Closes Statewide Offices and Schools Due to Storm Lala

Hawaii Closes Statewide Offices and Schools Due to Storm Lala

Hurricane and Tropical Storm Lala passed south of Hawaii, prompting widespread closures across the state on Monday, August 17, 2026. All state offices, public schools, and court facilities are closed due to storm-related impacts. Essential services, including emergency personnel and public transit, remain operational in most areas. Some schools, such as Nā‘ālehu Elementary on Hawai‘i Island, will remain closed through Thursday, August 20, due to storm damage and road closures. Public parks, recreational facilities, and some landfills are also closed in various counties, while refuse collection and public transportation services continue to operate on regular schedules in certain areas. Emergency shelters remain open for residents severely affected by the storm.
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Strong Winds from Storm Lala Cause Damage in West Oahu

Strong Winds from Storm Lala Cause Damage in West Oahu

Storm Lala brought powerful winds to West Oahu, Hawaii, causing significant damage to trees, homes, and infrastructure. The gusts, reportedly exceeding 50 mph (80 km/h), were intensified by the area's mountainous terrain, creating a funnel effect that amplified their strength. In Waianae, large trees, including a monkeypod at Waianae Intermediate School and hau trees at Maili Beach Park, were uprooted. Neighborhoods near Leihoku Elementary School experienced widespread damage, with roofs and trees heavily impacted. Residents described the winds as unexpectedly strong, with some capturing the destruction on video. The storm has left the community with extensive cleanup efforts ahead. [Hawaii News Now, Aug. 16, 2026, 7:38 PM HST]
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Lala is again a tropical storm, sending drenching rain and winds across the Hawaiian islands

Lala is again a tropical storm, sending drenching rain and winds across the Hawaiian islands

Hurricane Lala has weakened to a tropical storm after skirting Hawaii without making landfall, but it's not done punishing the Big Island with hurricane-force gusts
1Weather 1Weather
Lala’s Worst Is Over, but Hawaii Still Faces Danger

Lala’s Worst Is Over, but Hawaii Still Faces Danger

Hurricane Lala’s worst impacts have passed, but Hawaii faces lingering dangers into Monday, Aug. 17. The storm brought 15–30 inches of rain to the Big Island, while Laupahoehoe recorded 43.54 inches. Flooding, mudslides, erosion, falling trees and damaged roads remain a threat as soils stay saturated. More than 25% of utility customers statewide lost power, with outages especially severe on the Big Island. Gusty winds and heavy downpours could continue on Oahu and Kauai through early Monday.
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Tropical Storm Lala Causes Power Outages and Damages Over 100 Homes in Hawaii

Tropical Storm Lala Causes Power Outages and Damages Over 100 Homes in Hawaii

Tropical Storm Lala, which had briefly intensified into a Category 1 hurricane, struck Hawaii's Big Island on Saturday, August 15, 2026, bringing heavy rain and strong winds (Source time: 2026-08-16T22:20:42.472000+00:00). The storm generated winds of up to 75 mph (120 km/h) and caused significant flooding, particularly in areas like Volcano Village. At least 100 homes have been damaged, and thousands of residents are without power. The storm's impact has been compounded by saturated soils and ongoing vulnerabilities in the region's infrastructure. While Lala has since weakened, the aftermath continues to disrupt daily life across the island.