UPDATE: Wind advisory previously in place for Kohala, Ka‘ū canceled

Update at 4:34 a.m. Aug. 2, 2026: National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu canceled the wind advisory previously in effect for portions of Kohala and Ka‘ū on the Big Island, as winds have fallen below the advisory threshold.

Original story posted at 3:27 p.m. Aug. 1, 2026: National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu have again extended the wind advisory that has been in effect for portions of the Big Island, except the summits but still including areas in Kohala and Ka‘ū.

The advisory is now in effect until 6 a.m. Aug. 2.

Northeast winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, are forecasted, with the strongest sustained winds over mountain ridges, gaps and where winds blow downslope from higher terrain.

Winds this strong can make it difficult to steer, especially for drivers of high profile vehicles, as well as make walking and driving dangerous as well as forcefully open doors and damage hinges or slam doors shut, possibly causing injuries.

Watch out for falling tree branches when walking or driving. Make sure tents and awnings are secure or taken down. Be prepared for power outages.

Hawaiian Electric continues to watch conditions in areas of Maui and the Big Island that are most at risk of wildfire, with public safety power shutoffs still possible.

Areas of concern include West Maui, Ōmaʻopio and the Pūlehu and Māʻalaea area in Central Maui, and South Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island.

“While we have not initiated any [public safety power shutoff] de-energizations … customers in communities with high exposure to wildfire risk should initiate their own emergency plans and prepare for the possibility of extended power outages,” the electric utility said in a 9 a.m. update Saturday.

How to stay informed

Hawaiian Electric will provide updates frequently through the news media and following mobile-friendly resources:

• Hawaiian Electric website: hawaiianelectric.com
• X: @HwnElectric; @hielectriclight
• Facebook: facebook.com/HawaiianElectric
• Mobile app: free download available on Apple App Store and Google Play stores.
• Customers can also sign up to receive emergency outage alerts from Hawaiian Electric.