Summary (tl;dr)

A powerful Kona storm has caused widespread power outages across the Hawaiian Islands, impacting over a hundred thousand Hawaiian Electric (HECO) customers on Oahu, Maui County, and Hawaii Island, leading to significant disruptions including statewide school closures and public transit suspensions.

Essential Background

Hawaiian Electric (HECO) is the primary electric utility serving 95% of Hawaii's population across five islands. Hawaii is frequently susceptible to severe weather events, including Kona storms, which are a type of seasonal cyclone that can bring heavy rains, strong winds, and flooding, often leading to widespread power disruptions. Leading up to March 13, 2026, a powerful Kona storm system was forecast to impact the Hawaiian Islands, prompting preparations for potential widespread outages.

The Full Story

As of March 14, 2026, a severe Kona storm is actively causing extensive power outages across Hawaii, with Hawaiian Electric reporting tens of thousands of customers without electricity. Oahu has been particularly hard-hit, with approximately 123,000 customers experiencing outages in various locations, including Windward Oahu, East Honolulu, and Hawaii Kai, where a damaged transmission line significantly affected service. Maui County has also seen around 4,500 to 5,000 customers without power in areas such as Upcountry and East Maui, as well as on Lanai and Molokai. On Hawaii Island, about 1,220 to 3,600 customers are affected, primarily in Volcano, North Kona, and South Kona.

Hawaiian Electric crews are working to restore power, but hazardous weather conditions, including powerful winds and heavy rain, are delaying repair efforts and contributing to extended overnight outages in many areas. In response to the dangerous conditions, all public schools and Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) offices across Oahu, Maui County, Hawaii Island, and Kauai were closed on Friday, March 13. Additionally, Honolulu's Skyline service experienced temporary suspensions between East Kapolei and Waipahu due to power outages impacting several stations.

Why It Matters

The widespread power outages significantly disrupt daily life for residents, affecting homes, businesses, and essential services across the islands. The closures of schools highlight safety concerns due to hazardous travel conditions and potential dangers from downed power lines. Continued outages impact economic activity and underscore the vulnerability of infrastructure to severe weather, emphasizing the critical need for reliable power and robust emergency preparedness in the face of climate-related events. Residents are actively searching for HECO outage maps and updates on school closings to navigate the ongoing disruptions.

Geographic Location

• Oahu, Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States (widespread power outages, school closures, Skyline service suspension)
  • Windward Oahu, Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States (transmission line damage and power outages)
  • East Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States (transmission line damage and power outages)
  • Hawaii Kai, Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States (power outages and extended outage warnings)
  • East Kapolei, Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States (Skyline service suspended)
  • Waipahu, Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States (Skyline service suspended)
• Maui County, Hawaii, United States (widespread power outages and school closures)
  • Upcountry Maui, Maui County, Hawaii, United States (power outages)
  • East Maui, Maui County, Hawaii, United States (power outages)
  • Lanai, Maui County, Hawaii, United States (power outages and school closures)
  • Molokai, Maui County, Hawaii, United States (power outages and school closures)
• Hawaii Island, Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States (power outages and school closures)
  • Volcano, Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States (power outages)
  • North Kona, Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States (power outages)
  • South Kona, Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States (power outages)
• Kauai County, Hawaii, United States (school closures)