by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 9:00 AM ET, Fri August 14, 2026
Tropical Storm Lala, which is forecasted to become a hurricane before it hits the Big Island of Hawai’i this Saturday, August 15, is currently impacting flights and cruises in the region.
Here’s what you should know.
The Latest Forecast
According to the National Hurricane Center’s most recent update, Lala, which is currently 435 miles east-southeast of Hilo, Hawai’i, is exhibiting maximum sustained winds of 60 miles per hour, moving at a slow pace of only 10 mph. Lala is expected to move toward Hawai’i on Saturday and toward the smaller islands on Sunday. Tropical-storm-force winds could extend outward from the center of the hurricane up to 275 miles.
A hurricane warning is in effect for Hawai’i County, with a tropical storm watch issued for Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe.
Hazardous hurricane conditions could include high, damaging wind speeds on Saturday, along with 8-12 inches of rainfall across Maui and the Big Island. Maximum totals could reach 25 inches, increasing the chance of mudslides and flooding. Around the coast, a storm surge could flood one to three feet, with dangerous currents.
The Travel Impact of Tropical Storm Lala
While there haven’t been too many impacted flights just yet, several airlines are preparing for Lala’s impact, issuing travel waivers so those within the storm’s path can rebook without paying an extra fee or cancel their reservations with no penalties.
Southwest Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines and Air Canada are offering these waivers with differing terms for those flying to and from Hawaiian airports between August 14 and August 16. Other airlines are likely to follow suit.
FlightAware is not yet reporting any delays or cancellations regarding the tropical storm, though that is also expected to change.
It’s also likely that the tropical storm-turned-hurricane will impact cruising.
CruiseHive reported that one Norwegian Cruise Line ship, the Pride of America, had to divert from its original itinerary to dock in what is expected to be calmer waters off the Port of Honolulu.
“A developing tropical storm in the Central Pacific, southeast of the Hawaiian Islands, is expected to bring strong winds and challenging conditions to the region, resulting in the potential closure of the Port of Honolulu,” Norwegian Cruise Line explained in a letter to current guests. “To ensure we can safely arrive in Honolulu ahead of these anticipated restrictions, Pride of America will depart Nawiliwili on August 13, 2026, and proceed to Honolulu where we intend to remain until 5:00 pm local time on August 14, 2026.”
Travelers currently on cruise ships around Hawai’i might find their itineraries changed by the incoming severe weather. Others hoping to begin their cruises this weekend should keep checking their cruise line communications to see whether their embarkation schedule has changed.
Travelers and residents planning on visiting Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park should know that much of the park will be closing in a phased manner on August 14-15.
"Kilauea Military Camp, Volcano House and the A-frame cabins at Nāmakanipaio will remain open for registered guests only. Lodging guests must shelter in place and not recreate outdoors for everyone’s safety," the park explained in its notice.
Those at resorts near the sea may be advised to evacuate inland or shelter in place on the property’s designated shelter. They should remain alert for any new weather statements and prepare accordingly.
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