Hawaii-bound flights out of Los Angeles International Airport were canceled and delayed as Tropical Storm Lala closed in on the Big Island with hurricane-force winds expected Saturday.
Story Highlights
- Officials warn Lala will strengthen into a hurricane near Hawaii’s Big Island on Saturday.
- Airlines scrubbed Hawaii routes from Los Angeles amid safety concerns tied to wind, rain, and surf.
- Hawaii County is under a hurricane warning; other islands face tropical storm alerts.
- Forecasters urge final preparations before tropical-storm-force winds arrive.
Air Travel Disrupted As Storm Threat Grows
Airlines at Los Angeles International Airport canceled and delayed flights to Hawaii on Friday and into Saturday as Tropical Storm Lala approached the Big Island. Carriers adjusted schedules to avoid strong winds, heavy rain, and dangerous surf expected across the islands this weekend. The National Weather Service in Honolulu warned of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and localized flooding. These hazards make safe arrivals and departures uncertain, forcing last-minute changes for travelers bound for Kona, Hilo, Maui, and Oahu.
The National Hurricane Center said damaging hurricane-force winds are expected on the Big Island on Saturday, with the strongest gusts over higher terrain. Officials urged residents and visitors to finish preparations before tropical-storm-force winds begin. The advisory explained that conditions will worsen quickly as the system nears land, and that power outages and blocked roads are likely. That outlook pushed airlines to protect crews and passengers by standing down certain routes until the storm passes.
Forecast Calls For Hurricane Conditions Near Big Island
Hawai‘i Emergency Management reported Lala’s core is on track to pass near South Point on Saturday. The agency said steady strengthening is forecast and that Lala is expected to become a hurricane as it approaches the Big Island. That track keeps the greatest wind risk over Hawaii County first, with the system sliding south of the smaller islands on Sunday. The projected path also drives dangerous surf and coastal flooding, which threaten airports and low-lying roads used by travelers.
National forecasts and local statements lined up on the threat level. The National Weather Service in Honolulu said Lala will bring heavy rain, strong winds, and hazardous surf across the island chain. Those impacts extend beyond the immediate eye path and can hit far from the center. For airlines, that means wider zones of turbulence and storm bands that can force route changes or ground holds. For passengers, that means extra delays and possible rebooking windows tightening as seats disappear.
Hurricane Warnings And Island Alerts Drive Precautions
Hawaii County remains under a hurricane warning, while other islands are under tropical storm alerts. That set of warnings triggered a wave of closures, schedule shifts, and emergency checks. The public messaging from state and federal forecasters was clear: finish storm prep now, and do not wait for stronger winds to arrive. Travelers connecting through Los Angeles or other mainland hubs faced ripple effects as crews, aircraft, and ground operations were repositioned away from the projected impact zones.
🌅💗 A beautiful pink sunset in Waikīkī tonight! 🌴🌺✨
Getting prepared for heavy rain and strong winds late tonight or early tomorrow morning as Tropical Storm Lala passes far away from Hawaiʻi. 🌀🌧️
Please stay safe and watch for possible flooding. 🙏🏼 #hawaii #hurricanelala pic.twitter.com/MpuoMhUF3l— hawaii isla 808 (@hawaii_isla808) August 16, 2026
For readers planning travel, focus on actionable steps. Check flight status directly with the airline app every few hours. Consider moving travel to midweek after the storm clears the state. If you must fly soon, pack essentials in carry-on in case luggage handling is disrupted. If you are already in Hawaii, follow local emergency guidance and avoid coastal areas during high surf. Forecasts can still shift, but officials stress that the window for safe preparation is short.
Why The Cancellations Make Sense
Airlines plan around weather risk, not just current conditions. Forecast centers said Lala will likely strengthen near land, raising the chance of sudden wind spikes, wind shear, and flooding around runways. The best science has improved track forecasts over a generation, but intensity near landfall remains hard to nail down. That is why officials issue warnings early and why carriers err on the side of caution to protect lives and equipment when a strengthening system nears airports.
What Comes Next
Storm timing points to the worst conditions on the Big Island on Saturday, with impacts sliding west and north across the chain into Sunday. If the core passes close to South Point as projected, airlines may begin restoring limited service after winds drop and ground crews inspect runways and lights. Travelers should expect a backlog as planes and crews return to normal rotations. Keep monitoring alerts from the National Weather Service in Honolulu and local emergency channels.
Sources:
washingtontimes.com, nhc.noaa.gov, weather.gov, abcnews.com, accuweather.com
