Hawaii bracing for weekend cyclone as Hurricane Lala stays offshore

Hawaii is preparing for a possible cyclone this weekend as Hurricane Lala—first major Central Pacific storm of 2026—remains powerful but now well west of Hawaii’s main islands. Lala had sustained winds near 90 mph and continued to affect remote parts of the Pacific, including the Papahanaumokuakea area. The Big Island saw extreme rainfall (about 43.54 inches on the northeast coast), causing damage and leaving roughly 13,200 customers without power, with utility crews saying restoration could take at least two weeks. Forecasters warn conditions could persist around the islands even as Lala slowly weakens, and residents are urged to heed official advisories.