Tropical Storm Moke expected to bring up to 15 inches of rain in Hawaii: Maps and projected path

Tropical Storm Moke is set to bring 5 to 10 inches of rain, with isolated totals up to 15 inches, to Hawaii's Big Island this weekend.

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Successive storms in the Pacific increase the likelihood of temporary airport disruptions and flight diversions across the Hawaiian Islands during peak season.

Tropical Storm Moke is expected to bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the Hawaiian Islands this weekend, with the Big Island facing 5 to 10 inches of rain and isolated totals up to 15 inches, according to the National Hurricane Center. Eastern Maui could see 3 to 6 inches, while other islands may receive 1 to 2 inches. As of midday Saturday, August 22, 2026, Moke had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and was forecast to strengthen through the day; it is not expected to make landfall but will bring rain and wind to the Big Island Saturday night and early Sunday, with other islands affected early next week.

The storm follows Hurricane Lala, whose eye passed roughly 30 miles off the Big Island's coast as a Category 1 storm last weekend, bringing wind gusts exceeding 80 mph and torrential rainfall, with some areas receiving more than 3 feet of rain and Kapalua in Maui County recording 48 inches. The National Hurricane Center warned that Moke's rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides for the windward and southeast Big Island, especially in steep terrain and areas already affected by Lala.

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen urged residents to prepare, saying even light to moderate rain and wind could trigger flooding, debris, downed trees, roadway issues and power outages given the damage from Lala, and noted that many residents are experiencing storm fatigue while still recovering from the prior storm. Hawaii activated its joint information center on Saturday to coordinate public updates from the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, days after deactivating the center set up for Lala. Officials attributed the active hurricane season in part to an El Niño climate pattern, which warms eastern Pacific Ocean waters and reduces vertical wind shear, favoring tropical cyclone development.