Kauaʻi County: What you need to know about Tropical Storm Lala

Editor’s Note: Updated at 930 a.m. Aug. 16 2026. Information will be regularly updated.

Kauaʻi remains under a Tropical Storm Warning, with rain, strong and gusty winds and high surf developing Sunday morning as Lala begins to pass south of the island.

Here is what you need to know about Lala if you are a resident or are visiting Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.

Airport

The Līhuʻe Airport remains open, but all outbound and inbound flights have been canceled through 2 p.m. Sunday. Travelers are advised to contact their airlines directly for information about delays, cancellations or additional changes.

Areas of refuge

The County of Kauaʻi, in partnership with the American Red Cross, will be opening the following refuge areas at 6 p.m. Friday. The locations include: 

• Kalāheo Neighborhood Center located at 4480 Papalina Road in Kalāheo;
• Kauaʻi Veterans Center located at 3215 Kapule Highway in Līhuʻe;
• Kapaʻa Middle School located at 4867 Olohena Road in Kapaʻa.

Refuge areas do not provide food, water, bedding, medications, personal caregivers, or medical staff, and anyone going to a refuge area should bring their own disaster supply “go kit.” Household pets are welcome at all designated facilities, though owners must bring their own pet food, water, and crates or cages.

The public is reminded that refuge areas are evacuation options of last resort. In many cases, sheltering in place may be a good option, particularly if the home or structure is sound or hardened and located outside hazardous flood and storm-surge areas. 

The Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency released an updated potential refuge area list in May, which available online at www.kauai.gov/kema. It identifies facilities that may be considered for use during emergencies.

Not every facility on the list will be opened during every emergency, and additional public or private facilities may also be activated depending on incident and operational needs. If refuge areas are activated for this event, KEMA will issue news releases, update the County website and its Refuge Area Status Page, and, as appropriate, send notifications through the County’s Everbridge emergency notification system.

Road closures/conditions

There are no road closures at this time. Officials note that Kūhiō Highway near the Hanalei Bridge may be closed with little or no advance notice, particularly if a flash flood warning is issued. Utilities and other services may also be disrupted.

County and state closures

• All County Refuse Transfer Stations and the Kekaha Landfill will be closed Sunday.
• All County Parks and Recreation camping areas are closed until further notice.
• The Kōloa HI5 Redemption Center is closed Sunday.
• The Wailua Golf Course is closed Sunday.

Additional County services and facilities may close on little to no notice, depending on the severity of the incoming storm and its effects.

• The Kalalau Trail, the Nāpali Coast State Park and Polihale State Park are closed. The Hā’ena Shuttle has also been suspended.
• All State Forest Reserves are closed.
• All state camping, parks, lands and trails are closed. Refunds will be credited to the accounts of anyone who misses camping nights because of storm closures.
• Pacific Missile Range Facility guest passes and recreational areas are closed until further notice.

Do not go hiking or participate in outdoor and ocean recreational activities such as hiking, camping, swimming, surfing, and more. Outdoor recreation areas may quickly become hazardous. During severe weather, emergency rescues may not be possible. Do not cross swollen rivers or streams; always check with a lifeguard at any lifeguard station before entering the ocean. 

The Ocean Safety Bureau has moved all Ocean Safety Officers, as well as Roving Patrols, to the nearest fire station. Ocean Safety Officers will continue to respond when needed.

Public schools

Kaua‘i public school campuses will be closed Saturday and Sunday, including any school-sponsored extracurricular activities, athletics and community use of school facilities.

Preparation

County officials encourage the public to check and replenish their emergency disaster kits. Emergency disaster kits should include at least a 14-day supply of non-perishable food, one gallon of water per person per day, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, an extra supply of prescription medicines, and other items tailored to individual and family needs. A smaller, portable go-kit is also recommended should you need to evacuate. County, state, and federal officials will continue to monitor the situation and actively coordinate in preparation for this potential event.

The public is advised to check conditions before venturing out for hiking, river, or beach excursions. River and stream crossings, recreational trails, and other outdoor recreation areas may quickly become hazardous. During severe weather, emergency rescues may not be possible. Do not cross swollen rivers or streams; always check with a lifeguard at any lifeguard station before entering the ocean. Know before you go.

For up-to-date information about Kauaʻi ocean conditions and safety, please speak to a county lifeguard, visit safebeachday.com, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.

Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative

Due to extreme weather conditions, outages may occur across Kaua‘i. KIUC crews and contractors are prepared to respond and restore power as safely and quickly as conditions allow. Members should be prepared for the possibility of prolonged outages.

Restoration work can begin only when conditions are safe. High winds, flooding, fallen trees, downed power lines and other hazards may delay access to affected areas. Once conditions improve, crews will assess damage, make repairs and restore service.

Members are asked not to call solely to report outages. KIUC’s Outage Management System automatically alerts KIUC when power is lost. Outage status can be monitored on KIUC’s outage map. Please report downed power lines, damaged poles, arcing equipment or any information that may help crews identify hazards and restore service.

Never approach a downed power line. Always assume it is energized, keep others away and call
9-1-1 if there is an immediate danger.

Standard tips to prepare for power outages from Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative include:

• Use surge protectors to protect your appliances & equipment
• Turn off & unplug all unnecessary appliances or equipment
• Keep a portable battery-powered radio & flashlights with extra batteries
• Stay away from downed lines & report to 9-1-1
• Contact KIUC at 808-246-4300 to update your contact information & receive alerts

For the latest updates, please view KIUC’s Facebook page.

Brown water advisory

A brown water advisory has been issued Kauaʻi.

The Hawaii Department of Health advises beach users to stay out of waters that appear brown or murky, especially following storms or heavy rain because the water may contain higher than normal pollutant levels. The Department recommends staying out of these affected waters for 48 to 72 hours after the rain has stopped and after the beach has received full sunshine.

The Department of Health advises the public to avoid swimming, wading in, or drinking water from any freshwater streams or pond to prevent leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria. If the water is brown, turn around.

For more information and updates, click here.

Department of Water

The Kauaʻi Department of Water reminds the public to prepare for water service impacts.

Natural disasters, such as high winds, flooding, and fallen trees, can damage water infrastructure or disrupt power to water sources, leading to water service interruptions.

While Department of Water crews are always prepared to respond, restoration efforts would only begin when conditions are safe.  If dangerous conditions prevent crews from accessing affected areas, outages may last longer than usual. 

Customers should store the recommended amount of water, minimum recommendation of 1 gallon per person per day, in their emergency kits to meet their needs until service can be restored.

To store water properly, use clean containers, preferably those designed for water storage such as FDA-approved food-grade water storage containers. Fill the container with tap water, leaving minimal air space between the water and the cap. Store it in a cool, dark place.

Stay tuned to local radio stations and news reports. Any water service interruption updates will be posted on the Department of Water website, social media platforms, and relayed to local radio stations, as needed.

After the storm has passed, Department of Water will assess its water infrastructures. If water lines are damaged, or conservation notices have been issued, please continue to conserve water until the Department of Water officially announces that the conservation has been lifted.

Receive Department of Water alerts by signing up for Everbridge, the County of Kaua`i’s mass notification system.

Important numbers and resources

To stay updated, stay tuned to local media broadcast channels for the most up-to-date information. The following provides a list of important resources on emergency preparedness.

• Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency — kauai.gov/kema.
• National Weather Service — weather.gov/hfo, or automated weather line at 808-245-6001.
• Kaua‘i Department of Water — 808-245-5400 and kauaiwater.org/.
• Road and closure conditions — 808-241-1725.

Officials remind the public to use 9-1-1 only for life-threatening or time-critical emergencies. Calls to 9-1-1 for weather updates or general road conditions can significantly delay emergency response. To report non-emergency road hazards, contact KPD Dispatch (non-emergency) at 808-241-1711.

To sign up for Everbridge, the County’s emergency notification service, please visit www.kauai.gov/KEMA and click “Notification Services.” You may also text “KAUAIEMA” to 888777, or call the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.