Hawaiʻi faces rare hurricane damage from Lala and Lowell

Recent hurricanes Lala and Lowell have challenged Hawaiʻi’s historical protection from major storm damage. Hurricane Lala brought the first recorded hurricane-force gusts to the Big Island and Oʻahu in 155 years, causing significant destruction in the Kaʻū District.

In the aftermath of Lala, floodwaters at Nāʻālehu Cemetery disturbed burial sites, displacing human remains and cemetery materials. The Hawaiʻi National Guard’s 93rd Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Enhanced Response Force Package is working alongside Hawaiʻi County and cultural experts to recover and protect the remains. As of September 1, 2026, over 140 remains have been identified.

Meteorologists note that while Hawaiʻi’s geography often causes storms to weaken over cool waters, changing ocean conditions may reduce this natural defense. Experts suggest that El Niño and rising sea-surface temperatures are making it easier for Pacific storms to intensify and maintain strength as they approach the islands.