Hawaii News Roundup: Hurricane Lala Bears Down on the Islands, Coast Guard Closes Ports, Honolulu Suspends Bus Service and More

Published Aug 16, 2026 · Community · Red Rock Daily staff

Here’s a roundup of recent Hawaii news: Hurricane Lala, a Category 1 storm, has been bearing down on the islands, prompting the U.S. Coast Guard to close ports across Hawaii, Honolulu to suspend its bus service and open eight hurricane refuge areas, officials to close Honolulu Zoo due to increasing winds, and airlines to cancel and delay flights to the state; the storm passed near the Big Island without a direct hit.

Hurricane Lala strengthens to Category 1 as it nears Hawaii

Tropical Storm Lala formed in the Pacific and a hurricane watch was issued for the Big Island of Hawaii before the storm strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane as it approached the islands. (PBS, Al Jazeera, Aug. 13-15, 2026) Forecasters said the storm was bringing heavy rain and gusty winds, and Hawaii’s Emergency Management Agency was tracking its track and urging residents to prepare. Earlier, the storm slowed and turned as it began to interact with Hawaii Island, according to Hawaii News Now.

Coast Guard closes ports across Hawaii

The U.S. Coast Guard closed ports across Hawaii as Hurricane Lala approached, halting marine traffic statewide. (Hawaii News Now, Aug. 16, 2026) The closures were part of hurricane preparedness measures as the storm moved through the island chain.

Honolulu suspends bus service, opens refuge areas ahead of the storm

The City and County of Honolulu suspended its bus service due to high winds and rain and opened eight hurricane refuge areas across O’ahu as residents prepared for Hurricane Lala. (Honolulu Star-Advertiser, honolulu.gov, Aug. 15-16, 2026) Honolulu Zoo also closed at 1 p.m. Saturday due to increasing winds, and O’ahu residents were urged to stay indoors as the storm approached.

Hurricane Lala passes Big Island; Hawaii spared a direct hit

Hurricane Lala passed near the Big Island, with officials saying Hawaii Island was spared a direct hit. (Honolulu Civil Beat, Aug. 15, 2026) Residents across Maui, Honolulu and Kaua’i counties continued to monitor potential storm impacts into the weekend.

Flights to Hawaii disrupted as the storm approaches

Airlines canceled and delayed flights between Los Angeles, the Bay Area and Hawaii as Hurricane Lala approached, and locals shared their storm preparations. (Los Angeles Times, ABC7 Bay Area, Aug. 16, 2026) Travelers were advised to check with their carriers before heading to the airport.

For more on the Aloha State, see the Hawaii guide.