Tropical Storm Lala: Campus Closures Saturday-Sunday 8/15-16/2026

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UH Hilo and Hawaiʻi Community College campus, offices, and off-campus locations will be closed Saturday, August 15 through Sunday, August 16, 2026, for precautionary measures.

Graphic of 5-day projected tracking of storm.
(Graphics: NOAA)

This message on behalf of the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and Hawaiʻi Community College Administrations was released at 4:02pm HST, Thursday, August 13, 2026.

In anticipation of Tropical Storm Lala, please be advised that the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and Hawaiʻi Community College campus, offices, and off-campus locations will be closed Saturday, August 15 through Sunday, August 16, 2026, for precautionary measures. All events are cancelled, including athletics events. ʻImiloa Astronomy Center will be closed. The Maunakea Visitors Center will be closed, and access above the Visitors Center restricted to essential personnel.

Campuses plan normal operations to return on Monday, August 17, 2026.

Students and employees are advised to stay at home. For students in residence halls, Residence Life staff members are available to provide assistance.

Tropical Storm Lala is southeast of Hawaiʻi island and is expected to maintain a west-northwest track. We anticipate Tropical Storm Force wind impacting Hawaiʻi island beginning Friday evening. There is also a threat for significant flash flooding and dangerous surf. A Hurricane watch has been issued for Hawaiʻi County due to the severity of winds reaching Hurricane levels (74mph).

Everyone is asked to stay informed and prepared

  • Check your hawaii.edu email regularly for campus-specific updates on possible impacts and operational changes.
  • All UH students, faculty and staff are encouraged to sign up for mobile alerts through the UH RAVE Alert system to receive emergency notifications directly.

Monitor trusted sources for real-time weather updates

We continue to monitor Tropical Storm Lala and are working closely with Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense as well as other County and State agencies to remain prepared and informed. You will be notified as information becomes available. Updates will also be posted on hilo.hawaii.edu, Facebook and Twitter (X).

Mahalo, and stay safe.

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