Reaching hurricane force as it buzzed the Big Island of Hawaii on Saturday, August 15, now reduced to a tropical strom, Lala unleashed a strange and dramatic mix of conditions across the island chain. The storm pushed tropical swell onto exposed coastlines while hurricane-force winds, flooding, debris and coastal erosion made much of the ocean unsafe. And high above the surf, the same storm created an entirely different scene.
On the Big Island, Lala’s combination of moisture and dramatically colder temperatures at elevation brought snow to the upper reaches of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, creating the surreal image of a tropical cyclone simultaneously producing dangerous surf at sea level and winter conditions on two of the world’s largest volcanoes. Powerful winds at Mauna Kea’s summit reportedly reached extreme speeds as the storm passed the island.
South Point Takes the Brunt
South Point and the exposed coastlines around Kaʻū saw some of the most dramatic storm impacts. Lala’s close passage generated large storm surf while hurricane-force winds turned the ocean into a chaotic mix of wind chop, spray and whitewater. Producing dangerous conditions compounded by coastal flooding, strong currents and rapidly changing water levels, authorities urged people to stay away from coastal areas as emergency crews dealt with storm waters, fallen trees and other hazards.
The Big Island also suffered extensive inland damage. Torrential rainfall triggered flash flooding and mudslides, while homes were reportedly swept away in communities around South Point. Widespread power outages and transportation disruptions further complicated the response.
From Tropical Surf to Snow-Covered Volcanoes
Perhaps the most visually striking aspect of Lala’s impact was what happened thousands of feet above the coastline. While coastal communities dealt with wind, rain and powerful surf, snow fell across the upper elevations of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.
Snow is not unprecedented on Hawaii’s highest peaks, particularly during winter storms, but seeing it associated with a mid-August tropical cyclone is an extraordinary reminder of the island’s dramatic elevation changes and microclimates. Mauna Kea rises nearly 14,000 feet above sea level, where temperatures can plunge below freezing even while tropical conditions dominate the coastline.
For a storm already producing everything from hurricane-force winds to dangerous surf and life-threatening flooding, the snowfall added another surreal layer to Lala’s legacy.
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Maui Gets the Swell—and the Wind
As Lala moved west, the storm’s swell followed. Maui saw Lala-generated surf build significantly, with east-facing shores receiving the brunt of the swell. Exposed south-facing shores also saw an increase as the storm tracked through the island chain. Strong tropical winds, heavy rain and dangerous currents made coastal conditions hazardous, while flooding and storm damage disrupted access in some areas.
Impacts on Oahu and Kauai
On Oahu, Lala generated a short- to mid-period east swell. The North Shore’s orientation and the shadowing effect of the surrounding islands limited much of that energy, while strong easterly winds made for generally poor conditions. Elsewhere on Oahu, heavy rain and damaging winds created additional hazards as Lala moved west through the island chain.
As Lala continued westward, Kauai remained in line for heavy rain, strong winds and elevated surf. Lala may have generated waves across Hawaii, but hurricane-driven currents, storm surge, flooding, debris and unstable coastal conditions have made entering the water exceptionally dangerous.
From South Point’s storm surf to snow-covered Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, Hurricane Lala delivered one of the more visually and meteorologically bizarre reminders of just how much can happen across Hawaiʻi’s dramatic landscape during a single storm.
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