Hawaii hurricane preparedness

Hawaii areas affected in 2026

NWS Honolulu reports that Hurricanes Lowell and Nolo affected the islands in September 2026. Lowell brought the most severe wind, coastal, and flood damage to Kauai and Niihau on September 7–8. Nolo brought heavy rain and flooding to parts of Maui and Hawaii Island later in the month. These are records of past impacts, not current alerts.

Start with your island plan

• Check your home's wind, flood, and coastal exposure. Know a safe inland or higher-ground destination if local officials direct you to move.
• Store drinking water, shelf-stable food, medicine, lighting, and a battery-powered radio. Plan for supply interruptions and people or pets who need extra help.
• Save county emergency alerts and shelter information before a warning. Do not assume a mainland-style drive-out evacuation is possible.
• Keep a phone charging plan and paper copies of key contacts and medical information.

Official forecasts and local instructions

For Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, check the Central Pacific Hurricane Center and your county emergency management office. Shelter locations and openings can change during a storm.

Build an island outage kit

Start with stored water, food you already use, medication, a weather radio, lighting, and phone charging. Compare equipment after you have the basics covered.

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