Major Central Pacific Hurricane

Lala Rapidly Intensifies After Weakening Over Hawaii

Lala followed an unusual path. The storm first hit Hawaii as a hurricane on Sunday, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. It weakened into a tropical storm before moving away from the islands. Then, late Tuesday, it strengthened again — fast. The National Hurricane Center said the storm rapidly intensified, according to WRAL.

Rapid intensification means a storm's winds jump significantly in a short period. Lala's winds climbed back to 125 mph, putting it firmly in Category 3 territory. A Category 3 storm is considered a "major hurricane," with winds strong enough to cause devastating damage to homes and infrastructure.

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Hurricane Warning Issued for Uninhabited Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

A hurricane warning is now in effect for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. These islands stretch far to the northwest of the main Hawaiian Islands and are largely uninhabited. Forecasters expect hurricane conditions to arrive within 36 hours, according to Newsday.

Because no people live in the warned area, there is no evacuation threat. Still, the warning highlights Lala's continued power as it pushes west-northwest across the Central Pacific. The main Hawaiian Islands are no longer in the storm's direct path.

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Storm's Path Points West, Away from Populated Areas

Lala is moving west-northwest and tracking away from Hawaii's main population centers. Forecasters do not expect it to threaten any major inhabited islands in the near term. The storm is expected to gradually weaken after several days, Times Union reported.

The Central Pacific hurricane season is far less active than the Atlantic or Eastern Pacific. Naming a storm Lala suggests it is the 12th named storm of the season in that basin. A first major hurricane this early in 2026 marks a notable start to the year for the region, Winnipeg Free Press noted.

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What Comes Next for Lala's Intensity

Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center expect Lala to stay at or near major hurricane strength for the next few days. After that, it is expected to slowly weaken as it moves over cooler ocean waters or encounters less favorable conditions. No additional warnings have been issued for populated areas, according to Las Vegas Sun.

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