Tropical Storm Lala Approaches Hawaii as Hurricane Watch Issued

Tropical Storm Lala is intensifying as it approaches Hawaii, with forecasters warning it could become a hurricane near the Big Island by early Saturday, August 15, 2026, bringing the threat of historic landfall, heavy rain, and dangerous surf. As of Thursday morning, August 13, the storm was located about 680 miles southeast of Hilo with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Hawaii County. The National Hurricane Center's latest forecast shows Lala strengthening as it moves toward the islands, fueled by warmer sea surface temperatures associated with El Niño and a lack of wind shear. The storm is expected to reach hurricane strength, with sustained winds near 75 mph, as it nears the southern side of the Big Island on Saturday. If the center of the storm makes landfall on the Big Island, it would be the first hurricane on record to do so.

Regardless of whether the center moves onshore or passes just offshore, significant impacts are expected. The primary threat is rainfall, with forecasts calling for 5 to 10 inches across Maui and the Big Island, and maximum totals of up to 25 inches possible on the...