Shocking Hawaii Hurricane Lala Unleashes Historic Flooding

Image Source: The Weather Channel

Hawaii hurricane Lala brought torrential rain, damaging winds, landslides, coastal flooding and even snow to the island chain, becoming one of the most impactful storms to affect the Big Island in more than 150 years.

The storm made its closest approach to the Big Island late on August 15 as a Category 1 hurricane. Although Lala never made an official landfall in Hawaii, its eyewall brushed the southern side of the island and produced widespread hazards across the state.

Hawaii Hurricane Lala Unleashes Historic Flooding

Lala developed from a tropical wave several thousand miles east-southeast of Hawaii in early August. It strengthened into a tropical storm on August 13 after consolidating along the northern edge of the wave, then gradually intensified as it moved toward the islands.

The hurricane’s path was influenced by both atmospheric conditions and Hawaii’s rugged terrain. A large Pacific high-pressure system pushed Lala west-northwest until the storm encountered the Big Island. The island’s topography then caused subtle changes in the storm’s track before Lala continued westward into the Pacific.

According to The Weather Company, tropical storm or hurricane warnings were issued across the state as the system approached. Lala later spread rain and strong winds westward from Maui toward Honolulu and Kauai, weakening slightly after interacting with the Big Island.

Powerful Rainfall Triggers Flash Flood Emergencies

Flooding was the most serious impact reported across Hawaii. The storm’s center passed south of the islands, placing communities on Lala’s so-called “dirty side,” where winds often drive the most intense rainfall, waves and coastal impacts toward land.

Laupahoehoe, on the northern coast of the Big Island, recorded an extraordinary 43.54 inches of rain between August 14 and 16. More than 31 inches fell during a single 24-hour period. Nahuku, on the island’s southeastern side, received more than 35 inches, while Hilo International Airport reported nearly 10 inches during the storm.

• Flooding closed roads in Hilo and areas near Mountain View and Hawaiian Paradise.
• A flash flood emergency was issued in the Naalehu District late August 15 and into the following morning.
• Two homes were swept away in the Naalehu area.
• Rainfall rates approached 5 inches per hour in the hardest-hit locations.
• Other islands received as much as 10 inches in lower elevations, with totals exceeding a foot on the highest peaks.

Honolulu County also faced dangerous conditions. A flash flood warning was issued early August 16 as intense rainfall caused local waterways, including Manoa Stream, to reach record flows. Officials warned that the rapidly rising water was likely producing considerable impacts in nearby communities.

Damaging Winds Knock Out Power Across the Big Island

Heavy rain was not Lala’s only threat. Strong winds toppled hundreds of trees and downed power lines, blocking roads in parts of the Big Island. Approximately 200,000 customers lost electricity during the storm.

Some of the strongest winds occurred at the summit of Maunakea, Hawaii’s tallest volcano. Gusts reached 140 mph at the 13,803-foot peak, while wind chills fell into the 20s. Although such extreme gusts are common at the summit, the combination of wind, cold and snow highlighted the storm’s remarkable reach.

Lala produced snowfall on Maunakea, adding an unusual winter-like element to a tropical hurricane event. Across the lower elevations, meanwhile, residents dealt with flooded roads, fallen trees, damaged utility infrastructure and rapidly changing travel conditions.

El Niño and Warmer Oceans May Have Intensified Rainfall

Lala formed and strengthened over Pacific waters that were approximately 3 degrees warmer than average. Those warmer waters increased the storm’s ability to maintain strength as it approached Hawaii from the east.

The Weather Company reported that a strengthening El Niño, combined with warmer-than-average ocean temperatures, generally supports a more active central Pacific hurricane season. Warmer air and ocean conditions may also have contributed to the storm’s exceptionally heavy rainfall.

Climate conditions do not determine the exact path or outcome of every hurricane, but they can influence storm intensity and the amount of moisture available. For Hawaii, Lala demonstrated how a storm that stays offshore can still create major flooding, destructive winds and widespread disruption.

Why Lala Was Historically Unusual

Had Lala made landfall, it would have been the first hurricane landfall on the Big Island since at least 1871. NOAA’s historical database shows that Lala became only the fifth hurricane since 1957 to pass within 70 miles of the Big Island.

The storm joins a short list that includes Hurricane Hone in 2024, Hurricane Douglas in 2020, Hurricane Iselle in 2014 and Hurricane Kanoa in 1957. Its close approach serves as a reminder that Hawaii can face serious hurricane impacts even when a storm’s center remains offshore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Hurricane Lala make landfall in Hawaii?

No. Lala did not make an official landfall, but its eyewall passed close to the southern Big Island and produced major impacts across the state.

How much rain did Hurricane Lala bring?

Laupahoehoe recorded 43.54 inches between August 14 and 16. More than 31 inches fell there in just 24 hours.

How strong were the winds?

Winds reached 140 mph at the summit of Maunakea. Stronger winds across the Big Island also downed trees and power lines.

How many people lost power?

Approximately 200,000 customers lost electricity because of the storm’s damaging winds and utility disruptions.