Tropical Storm Lala Slams Hawaii: Dangerous Winds, Torrential Rain
Tropical Storm Lala Slams Hawaii: A Simple Guide to What Happened
What Is Tropical Storm Lala?
Tropical Storm Lala was a powerful storm that brushed past Hawaii in mid-August. Even though it never officially made landfall (meaning its center didn’t cross the coastline), it acted like a hurricane when it passed closest to the Big Island on Saturday evening, August 15 at 5 PM HST.
Important Point: A storm doesn’t need to make landfall to cause major damage. Just passing nearby can bring hurricane-force winds, flooding rain, and huge waves.
Where Did Lala Go?
Lala’s path took it just south of the Big Island, then its impacts spread westward across the island chain:
- Big Island (Hawaii) – First and hardest hit
- Maui County – Next in line
- Oahu (Honolulu) – Felt heavy rain and wind
- Kauai – Final impacts as the storm moved away
A Rare but Growing Club
According to NOAA’s historical records, Lala is only the 5th hurricane since 1957 to pass within 70 miles of the Big Island. The others were:
| Year | Storm Name |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Hone |
| 2020 | Douglas |
| 2014 | Iselle |
| 1957 | Kanoa |
Important Point: Hawaii hurricanes aren’t as unusual as people think. Warmer oceans and El Niño are making them more frequent.
The "Dirty Side" – Why It Was So Bad
Meteorologists call the right-front quadrant of a hurricane the "dirty side." Here’s why:
- Winds blow TOWARD land instead of away
- Storm surge (ocean water pushed ashore) is highest here
- Heaviest rain and strongest gusts concentrate here
Because Lala passed south of the islands, the entire chain sat directly in this dangerous zone.
Wind Reports – From Strong to Insane
| Location | Wind Gusts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mauna Kea Summit (13,803 ft) | 154 mph | Common at this elevation |
| Big Island mountains | 50–90 mph | Downed trees & power lines |
| Maui County | 50–90 mph | Road blockages reported |
| Oahu | 50–90 mph | Widespread impacts |
Fun Fact: Mauna Kea is so tall it often gets the strongest winds in the state—and sometimes even snow!
Rainfall – Feet, Not Inches
The rain was historic, especially on the Big Island:
Record-Breaking Totals
| Location | Total Rain | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Laupahoehoe (NE Big Island) | 42.69 inches | Fri–Sun |
| 31+ inches | In just 24 hours! | |
| Nahuku (SE Big Island) | 35+ inches | Storm total |
| Hilo Airport | ~10 inches | Storm total |
| Other Islands | Up to 10 inches | Lower elevations |
| Mountain Peaks | 1+ foot | Highest summits |
Emergency Situations
Flash Flood Emergency – Naalehu District (Big Island)
- Issued: Saturday night → early Sunday
- Rainfall rate: 5 inches per hour
- Result: Two homes swept away
Flash Flood Warning – Honolulu (Oahu)
- Issued: Sunday morning
- Impact: Manoa Stream hit record flow levels
- Likely: "Considerable impacts" to neighborhoods
Road Closures & Damage
- Hilo, Mountain View, Hawaiian Paradise: Flooded roads
- Big Island: Trees & power lines blocking roads
- Multiple islands: Highway and local road closures
Bonus: Snow in Hawaii?!
Yes! Maunakea’s summit got snow from Lala. At nearly 14,000 feet, it’s cold enough for winter weather—even in August during a tropical storm.
Why Was This Season So Active?
Two big factors teamed up:
- Strengthening El Niño – Changes wind patterns to favor storms
- Warmer-than-average ocean water – Fuel for hurricanes
Important Point: Both of these usually mean a more active Central Pacific hurricane season. This won’t be the last storm.
Summary: What You Need to Know
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Storm Name | Tropical Storm Lala (was a hurricane near Big Island) |
| Closest Approach | Aug 15, 5 PM HST – south of Big Island |
| Landfall? | No – but major impacts anyway |
| Historic Rank | 5th hurricane within 70 mi of Big Island since 1957 |
| Worst Hazard | Extreme rainfall (42+ inches in spots) |
| Wind Peak | 154 mph at Mauna Kea summit |
| Homes Lost | 2 swept away in Naalehu flash flood |
| Snow? | Yes, on Maunakea summit |
| Climate Link | El Niño + warm water = more storms likely |
FAQ – Your Questions Answered
1. If Lala didn’t make landfall, why was it so bad?
The "dirty side" of the storm (right front quadrant) hit the islands directly. This zone has the strongest onshore winds, highest surge, and heaviest rain—even if the center stays offshore.
2. How rare is a hurricane near the Big Island?
Only 5 since 1957—but 3 of those were since 2014. Climate change and El Niño are increasing the odds.
3. Why did Mauna Kea get 154 mph winds?
It’s 13,803 feet tall—above most friction from trees/buildings. Winds accelerate over the peak. This is normal for major storms.
4. Can it snow during a tropical storm in Hawaii?
Yes! Maunakea and Mauna Loa are high enough to be below freezing. Lala pulled up moisture that fell as snow at the summit.
5. Should Hawaii prepare for more storms like this?
Absolutely. Warmer oceans + El Niño = more fuel and better steering for storms. Emergency kits, evacuation plans, and flood awareness are essential.
About the Expert
Jonathan Erdman is a senior meteorologist at weather.com with over 25 years covering extreme weather. He’s passionate about "extreme and bizarre weather" and shares updates on Bluesky, X (Twitter), and Facebook.
Stay safe, stay informed, and remember: in Hawaii, even a "near miss" can hit hard.