County of Maui

09/07/2026

09/06/2026

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Flood Watch for all Hawaiian Islands, which goes into effect Sunday evening through Tuesday afternoon.

A Flood Watch means flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.

The eastern flank of Hurricane Lowell is moving west of the Hawaiian Islands and could bring periods of heavy rainfall across the state, according to NWS.

Initially, the threat of heavy rain will be the highest along windward and mountain areas than the threat will spread everywhere as winds become more southerly by Monday.

Flood-prone roads, low-lying areas and urban locations may experience flooding from rapid runoff and overflowing streams. Impacts could include road closures, property damage and dangerous driving conditions.

Residents and visitors are urged to monitor forecasts and be ready to take action if Flash Flood Warnings are issued.

Preparedness tips:
• Stay informed by monitoring weather alerts and official updates.
• Avoid driving through flooded roadways. Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
• Stay clear of streams, drainage channels and flood-prone areas.
• Have an emergency kit ready with water, food, medications and supplies.
• Charge phones and backup batteries in case of power outages.

For more information, visit NWS at weather.gov/hfo and the Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) at mauicounty.gov/MEMA

09/06/2026

Maui County residents turned out Saturday to support communities on Hawaiʻi Island impacted by Hurricane Lala, with over 100 vehicles dropping off food, water and essential supplies during the first day of the Kōkua Hawaiʻi Island Donation Drive in Kahului.

Dozens of volunteers also came out to collect, sort and load donations throughout the day.

While the response has been significant, more donations are needed to help fill the 40-foot shipping container that will carry the supplies to Hawaiʻi Island. The County of Maui is asking the community to keep the donations coming when the drive continues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center.

“Mahalo to everyone who came through today with donations or gave their time to help,” Mayor Richard Bissen said. “We had a great start, but we still need our community’s help. If you weren’t able to make it today, please come see us tomorrow. Bring what you can and help us fill this container with aloha from Maui. We know what it means when others show up for us in a time of need, and now it’s our turn to do the same.”

The drive will continue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, in the Queen Kaʻahumanu Center parking lot near the former Sears location, 275 W. Kaahumanu Ave.

Community members can drive through the donation area, where volunteers will be available to receive donations.

Requested items include:

Bottled water
Rice and canned foods, including canned meats, meals, fruits and vegetables
Saimin, instant noodles, cereal, oatmeal and packaged snacks
Peanut butter
Shelf-stable milk and meal-replacement drinks
Baby food, formula, diapers and wipes
Pet food, bedding and supplies
Tarps and towels
Coolers
Batteries
Solar- or battery-powered lights
Cell phone charging cords and power banks

Only new items can be accepted. Perishable foods and clothing cannot be accepted.

Donations collected during the two-day drive will be distributed by nonprofit Food Basket Hawaiʻi to communities on Hawaiʻi Island impacted by Hurricane Lala. The supplies will be shipped by container with support from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union.

The Kōkua Hawaiʻi Island Donation Drive was organized as an opportunity for Maui County residents to return the generosity and aloha that communities throughout Hawaiʻi showed Maui following the August 2023 wildfires.

Assistance from the community is requested to help us fill the container Sunday. Every donation, big or small, can make a difference for our neighbors on Hawaiʻi Island.

09/05/2026

MAUI COUNTY, LET’S FILL A 40-FOOT CONTAINER FOR HAWAIʻI ISLAND.

Our neighbors on Hawaiʻi Island are recovering from Hurricane Lala, and they need our help. This Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5 and 6, join us for the Kōkua Hawaiʻi Island Donation Drive at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center in Kahului.

It’s a drive-through drop-off, so you don’t even have to get out of your car. Stop by anytime from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHAT TO BRING:

Nonperishable food:
• Bottled water
• Rice
• Canned meats, meals, fruits and vegetables
• Saimin and instant noodles
• Peanut butter, crackers and packaged snacks
• Cereal and oatmeal
• Meal-replacement/protein drinks
• Shelf-stable milk

Other essentials:
• Baby food and formula
• Diapers and wipes
• Pet food, bedding and supplies
• Tarps and towels
• Coolers
• Batteries
• Solar/battery-powered lights
• Cell phone charging cords and power banks

New items only. No perishable foods or clothing, please.

Donations will be distributed by Food Basket Hawaiʻi to communities impacted by the storm and shipped by container with support from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union.

Hawaiʻi Island stood with Maui when we needed them most. Now it’s our turn to return that aloha.

Let’s fill that container, Maui County.

09/04/2026

Happy Aloha Friday, Maui County!

09/03/2026

County of Maui departments continue to respond to damage from Tropical Storm Lala while preparing for possible impacts from hurricanes Lowell and Karina. With multiple weather systems interacting, there is more uncertainty in forecasts, National Weather Service (NWS) officials have emphasized.

Meanwhile, officials are echoing calls for community members to stay prepared during this above-normal hurricane season.

“After the recent impacts from Tropical Storm Lala, even light to moderate rain and winds could lead to flooding, debris, downed trees, road issues and power outages,” Mayor Richard Bissen said. “We know our community has been through a lot, and many are still recovering. Our County teams are prepared and ready to respond, and we’re asking our community to stay alert, take precautions and be prepared. By working together and looking out for one another, we can help keep our community safe.”

For Maui County, the main weather effects expected from Lowell are wind and surf. NWS issued a Wind Advisory for portions of Maui County and the Big Island through 6 a.m. Friday, predicting gusts of up to 55 mph. A High Surf Advisory is in effect for south and southeast-facing shores through tonight.

NWS this morning said outer rainbands from Lowell could bring lingering rain to the Hawaiian Islands on Sunday into Monday and early next week, but rain and precipitation amount forecasts will become clearer in the next 24-48 hours.

Located about 450 miles south of Hilo, Hawaiʻi, Lowell decreased to Category 4 hurricane this morning and is expected to remain a major hurricane for the next several days. Latest forecasts predict it will turn north Saturday night and register as a Category 3 hurricane as it moves close to Kauai on Monday.

Karina poses less of a threat and is now a Category 3 hurricane about 1,135 miles east of Hilo. NWS said the hurricane is expected to weaken as it moves westward, eventually staying well northeast of Hawai’i.

Hurricane Marie is swirling outside of Baja California and is not expected to pose a threat to Hawai’i.

Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has been coordinating with other County departments, as well as state and nongovernment partners, to prepare for potential storm impacts.

“Our focus remains on maintaining situational awareness, coordinating closely with our partners and taking the necessary steps to prepare and protect our communities,” MEMA Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett said. “Strong, gusty winds and high surf are our main concerns at this time, but these storms are fluid, so it’s important to stay prepared and informed. Continued vigilance and coordination will help us respond quickly and keep our communities safe.”

Other County preparations include the following:

• MEMA has been working with American Red Cross and other partners to identify shelters that can be opened in potentially vulnerable areas should storm impacts warrant evacuation.

• Along with responding to impacts from Tropical Storm Lala, Department of Public Works (DPW) crews have been preparing for the incoming system by ensuring all storm-response equipment is fueled and ready to go. If conditions intensify, DPW will position equipment and personnel.

• Department of Water Supply and Department of Environmental Management are checking and topping off fuel in all permanent and portable generators. All vehicles are being refueled daily in anticipation of the storm. Crews are on standby if needed.

Residents are encouraged to:

• Review or update a family emergency plan.
Assemble or replenish emergency supplies, including enough food, water, medications and essential items to last at least 14 days.

• Prepare an emergency go bag with essential items to take if evacuation becomes necessary.

• Secure important documents and know your evacuation zone if you live in a coastal or flood-prone area.

• Prepare your home by securing outdoor items, protecting windows if needed, and ensuring it is ready to withstand possible extended power outages.

• Sign up for MEMA Alerts and Genasys evacuation notifications by visiting https://mauicounty.gov/MEMA.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration earlier this year forecasted an above-normal hurricane season for the Central Pacific, increasing the potential for tropical systems to affect Hawaiʻi. Hurricane season lasts through November.

For the latest information, visit NWS in Honolulu at https://www.weather.gov/hfo/.