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

Editor’s Note: Updated at 3:30 a.m. Aug. 16 2026. Information will be regularly updated.

Kauaʻi remains under a Tropical Storm Warning, with strong and gusty winds potentially developing as early as tonight, along with periods of heavy rainfall beginning this evening and continuing into Sunday.

According to the National Weather Service, Tropical Storm Lala is expected to remain south of Kauaʻi as it moves westward through the weekend, but significant impacts are still possible across the island.

A flood watch is in effect for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau from this evening through early Monday morning, with the potential for flash flooding and rapidly rising streams, particularly in windward and mauka areas, while leeward areas may also experience significant flooding.

A high surf advisory remains in effect for east-facing shores of Kauaʻi, where large and rough surf is expected to increase through Saturday and Sunday

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

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.

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 tips to prep for power outages

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

Department of Water reminds 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.

Facilities closures

All County Parks and Recreation camping areas will be closed at 6 p.m. today, Aug. 15, until further notice. The Wailua Golf Course and Kōloa HI5 Redemption Center will both be closed tomorrow, Aug. 16.

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

The Pacific Missile Range Facility is temporarily closing its recreational guest pass access and recreational sites effective at 10 p.m. Friday and until further notice. 

The Kalalau Trail, the Nāpali Coast State Park and Polihale State Park are closed. The Hā’ena Shuttle also has been suspended. The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife have also closed all State Forest Reserves until further notice.

Do not go hiking or participate in outdoor and ocean recreational activities such as camping, swimming and surfing. Outdoor recreation areas may quickly become hazardous. During severe weather, emergency rescues may not be possible. Do not cross swollen rivers or streams.

Other closures

Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources — out of an abundance of caution as Tropical Storm Lala continues its approach toward the state — on Friday announced the following closures of camping, parks, lands and trails.

Statewide

• All camping and lodging in state parks and on state lands is suspended as of 7 p.m. Friday — and at least through the weekend. Notifications were sent to everyone who received a camping permit.
• Refunds will be credited to the accounts of anyone who misses camping nights because of storm closures.

Kauaʻi

Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park: The park — including Kalalau Trail — will close at 4 a.m. Saturday. State Land Department staff helicoptered in Friday and informed campers to hike out in advance of the closure.

Polihale State Park: The park closed as of 1 p.m. Friday. Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement assisted with clearing park users.

Kauaʻi state forestry and wildlife lands: Closed. This includes forest reserves, natural area reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, public hunting areas and Nā Ala Hele Trails. Division of Forestry and Wildlife lands will reopen when National Weather Service cancels its warnings in effect.

People are advised to avoid forested and coastal areas because of the dangers of rising streams, flash flooding, falling trees, storm surge and high surf.

Emergency response or rescue from these areas could be delayed.

People in remote locations who might face dangerous surf, flooding or bad road conditions are advised to shelter in place.

While state Land Department lands will reopen upon cancellation of National Weather Service warnings and watches, residents and visitors are urged to continue exercising caution as hazards could persist and certain facilities might remain closed as required until inspections after the storm are completed.

Any extended closures will be announced as soon as possible.

Residents and visitors are advised to follow instructions of Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency and county emergency management agencies regarding preparations and safety precautions for heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, power outages, large surf and coastal surge.

The state Land Department asks for everyone’s cooperation with these closures.

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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.