Guidance and resources from state tourism agency can help visitors weather Tropical Storm Lala

Tropical Storm Lala was about 420 miles east-southeast of Hilo, or about 640 miles east-southeast of Honolulu, at 5 a.m. today, still moving west-northwest at 12 mph toward the Big Island.

A hurricane warning remains in effect for Hawai‘i County, tropical storm warning for Maui County and tropical storm watch for other areas throughout the state until further notice because of forecast hazards associated with Lala, which is expected to become a Category 1 hurricane as it nears the island, bringing possibly damaging winds, heavy flooding rainfall and dangerously high surf as early as tonight

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is providing guidance and resources for visitors on the Big Island and throughout the state as the storm threatens major impacts.

Visitors Guide to Hawai‘i News, Radio and Weather

This updated visitor guide lists local news and official information sources visitors can use to stay informed and adjust plans as needed.

Visitor-centered businesses, organizations and facilities, such as hotels and tour operators, are urged to share the guide with guests, clients and customer-facing employees.

Sign up for island-specific emergency text alerts

Visitors can receive official emergency alerts from emergency management agencies on each of the state’s four counties.

Here is how to sign up for alerts:

• Hawai‘i County (Big Island): Text HAWAIIALERTS to 888777 or click here.
• Kaua‘i County (Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau): Text KAUAIEMA to 888777 or click here.
• Maui County (Lāna‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i, Kahoʻolawe): Text MAUIALERTS to 38276 or click here.
• City and County of Honolulu (O‘ahu): Text HNLALERT to 888777 or click here.

Additional information for visitors

• Hotels are open and continue to welcome guests. Travelers scheduled to arrive in the coming weeks should keep their travel plans.
• Visitors already in Hawai‘i should plan to remain at their hotel or accommodation during severe weather Friday and Saturday — and possibly into Sunday — and follow instructions from hotel staff and local officials.
• Follow the Honolulu forecast office of National Weather Service and county emergency management updates.
• Use the time remaining before Tropical Storm (likely soon to be Hurricane) Lala arrives to prepare. Check with your hotel or other accommodation for its emergency procedures and instructions.
• Airlines are the best source to inquire about flight changes and delays. Verify that your airline has your current contact information, use its app or website and enable available mobile or text alerts.
• Confirm scheduled tours and activities directly with the provider. Operators might adjust schedules as conditions change.
• Keep mobile devices charged and enable emergency alerts for the county where you are staying.
• Download the GoHawaii app from The App Store on Apple devices or Google Play for Android devices to get the latest visitor information. You can also call 1-800-GOHAWAII, available 24 hours a day, to get questions answered.
• Visitors can visit the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority website for the most up-to-date information from the state visitor agency.

Official information and visitor resources

• National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office: Local forecasts as well as any issued advisories, watches and warnings.
• National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center: Official tropical cyclone forecasts, updates, advisories and forecast track cones as well as graphics for wind speeds, rainfall amounts and more.
• Ready Hawai‘i Alerts: Information from Hawai‘i Emergency Management and links to county emergency alert sign-ups.