What is the location of the flooding?
As of August 19, 2026, flooding caused by Hurricane Lala has severely affected Hawaii, with the most destructive impacts reported in the Kau District on the southern Big Island. Naalehu, Pahala, Punaluu, and Waiohinu were among the hardest-hit communities.
Floodwaters and debris descended from higher terrain, damaging roads and bridges, isolating rural communities, and disrupting communications (1).
Heavy rain also affected the windward and northeastern parts of the Big Island. Preliminary rainfall totals reached 43.55 inches at Laupahoehoe, with additional heavy rainfall recorded around Hamakua, Hilo, and Puna (2).
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
The most severe flooding occurred on the Big Island. Wider storm-related flooding, heavy rainfall, closures, and infrastructure disruptions also affected parts of Kauai, Maui, and Oahu (3).
- Haena, Kauai
- Hamakua, the Big Island
- Hilo, the Big Island
- Honolulu, Oahu
- Kau District, the Big Island
- Kalalau Trail, Kauai
- Kula, Maui
- Laupahoehoe, the Big Island
- Naalehu, the Big Island
- Na Pali Coast State Park, Kauai
- Olinda, Maui
- Pahala, the Big Island
- Piiholo, Maui
- Polihale State Park, Kauai
- Puna, the Big Island
- Punaluu, the Big Island
- Waiohinu, the Big Island
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
As of August 19, 2026, Hurricane Lala has moved west of Hawaii, and the immediate flooding threat has decreased. Crews are clearing mud, fallen trees, and debris while repairing damaged roads, bridges, communications infrastructure, and electrical systems.
Some communities continue to experience damaged or blocked roads, power outages, and communication disruptions. Authorities reported that no major immediate wind hazards remained, although saturated ground could still cause landslides (4).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Emergency refuges were opened on Kauai during the storm, but statewide tropical storm warnings and flood watches were canceled by August 17.
Brown-water advisories remain in effect because of storm runoff. Residents and visitors should avoid entering ocean water that appears brown or murky and continue monitoring local guidance regarding damaged roads, park closures, landslides, hazardous surf, and rip currents.
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
