TROPICAL STORM LALA RECOVERY STATEWIDE
No Hawaiʻi Island Communities Remain Isolated
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 18, 2026
26-0343
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) reports the following updates of impacts and recovery on the state’s transportation routes, airports and commercial harbors from Tropical Storm Lala.
Highways
Crews continue to work around the clock to address Lala’s impact to state roadways caused by flooding, landslides, fallen trees, downed utility lines and debris.
HDOT continues work to restore critical access for Ka‘u residents along Māmalahoa Highway (Route 11). Access for first responders and residents is now available through this area, except for a section fronting Pāhala Hospital. A portion of the highway was washed out between mile markers 49.3 and 49.4 in Pāhala, with a section of roadway gone. Crews went to assess damage, and the bridge structure is intact. Cleanup work is still required between Pāhala Hospital and the Nāʻālehu Cemetery, from mile marker 50.5 to 65.8. Both areas can be bypassed using a combination of state, county, and private roads.
On Maui, Crater Road (Route 378), crews removed downed trees and reopened one lane for essential traffic only. Crews removed a large tree and debris at mile marker 6 on Kekaulike Avenue (Route 377) in Kula. One lane was opened between mile marker 6.5 and 7 as utility companies continue to conduct repairs in the area.
On O‘ahu, mitigation work conducted after the Kona Lows this Spring helped to prevent major impacts on the state system from Tropical Storm Lala. Pali Highway (Route 61) reopened to traffic in both directions early Monday morning as landslides and downed trees were cleared. A right-lane closure remains in effect for Kailua-bound Pali Highway through the tunnels, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. for slope work.
More trees and debris are expected to fall onto the roadways over the next few days as the volume of rain and high winds from the storm have saturated the ground and weakened trees. HDOT encourages motorists to drive with extra caution. If encountering a flashing or dark traffic signal, please treat it as a four-way stop.
Motorists are encouraged to report any safety issue they may encounter on the roadways to HDOT Highways Maintenance. HDOT will send out crews to assess the situation and take appropriate corrective action to ensure safety and minimize traffic disruptions. To contact HDOT Highways Maintenance by district:
O‘ahu: 808-831-6714 or email complaintshighwayoahu@hawaii.gov
Hawai‘i Island: 808-933-8866
Maui: 808-873-3535
Kauaʻi: 808-241-3000
For additional road closure information, see https://hidot.hawaii.gov/weather-traffic/
Airports
All airports are open and there were no significant impacts to any facilities, runways, or terminals that caused any safety issues. HDOT is working with our partners to assess the storm’s impact and determine what longer lasting impacts need to be addressed over time.
Airlines are returning to their normal flight schedules. Passengers should check with their airline on flight status before going to the airport and allow appropriate time to check in and clear security screening.
Harbors
All commercial harbors statewide reopened as of 4:00 p.m. HST on Sunday, Aug. 16. Crews continue to assess storm damage and recovery planning throughout the system.
As situations change, notices will be sent and updates will be provided on https://hidot.hawaii.gov/weather-traffic/ and HDOT’s social media accounts.
To view HDOT’s photo coverage of Tropical Storm Lala please visit: https://www.facebook.com/media/set?set=a.1559359992884788&type=3
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Media contact:
HDOT Public Affairs Office
Phone: 808-587-2160
Email: dotpao@hawaii.gov
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