A powerful Kona low storm brought severe thunderstorms and high winds across Hawaii on Friday, March 13, 2026, leaving more than 120,000 Hawaiian Electric customers across Oahu, Maui County, and Hawaii Island without power, with many advised to prepare for outages stretching into Saturday.

Widespread Disruption Across Islands

Hawaiian Electric (HECO) reported fluctuating outage numbers throughout the day as crews worked to restore service. By 8:30 p.m. Friday, approximately 123,000 customers on Oahu remained in the dark. Earlier in the day, around 4 p.m., about 115,300 Oahu customers were without electricity. The utility had managed to restore power to 29,000 customers after a transmission line serving Windward Oahu, Hawaii Kai, and East Honolulu sustained damage. The sheer number of affected customers underscores the storm's intensity, impacting a significant portion of the islands' overall population and infrastructure.

Maui County also saw significant disruption. About 5,000 customers were without power by 8:30 p.m., primarily in Upcountry and East Maui. At 4 p.m., this number stood at 4,500. Still, HECO announced that power had been restored to approximately 1,240 customers on Lanai earlier in the day.

On Hawaii Island, the storm affected about 3,600 customers by 8:30 p.m., mainly in Puna, North Kona, and South Kona. Earlier, around 4 p.m., 1,220 customers experienced outages, mostly in Volcano and the Kona districts. HECO serves a total of 310,789 customers on Oahu, 91,234 on Hawaii Island, and 72,218 in Maui County.

Understanding the Kona Low Phenomenon

Kona low storms are a distinct type of extratropical cyclone that typically form northwest of the Hawaiian Islands, drawing vast amounts of moisture from the tropics. Unlike the more common trade wind systems, Kona lows bring winds from the south (Kona means 'leeward' in Hawaiian), often leading to heavy, sustained rainfall on normally dry leeward sides, along with high surf, flash flooding, and strong, gusty winds across all islands. These systems are most prevalent during Hawaii's cooler 'winter' months, from October to April, and are known for their potential to cause widespread disruption to infrastructure not typically engineered for such intense, southerly wind patterns and torrential downpours.

Overnight Outages Expected

HECO warned many affected residents to prepare for extended outages lasting overnight, possibly into Saturday. This warning applied to customers on Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island currently experiencing blackouts. Hawaii Kai and East Honolulu residents, in particular, face a precarious situation.

Two of the three transmission lines that bring electricity from Windward Oahu across the Ko’olau range into East Honolulu were damaged. The area now relies on a single remaining line. If this line fails, repairs will likely be delayed due to the steep, hazardous terrain and severe weather, preventing crews from safely accessing the site. The reliance on a solitary remaining line for East Honolulu introduces a critical vulnerability; any further damage could plunge the entire region into a more prolonged and complex outage situation. Repairing damage in areas like the Ko’olau range often involves specialized equipment and techniques, further complicated by the active storm conditions.

Maui County customers, especially those in Upcountry and East Maui, also received advisories for overnight outages. Hazardous road conditions pose a significant challenge for crews trying to reach repair sites, further delaying restoration efforts. Beyond hazardous roads, crews contend with downed trees, mudslides, and localized flooding, which not only block access but also create additional dangers for workers. The complexity of these repairs, often involving replacing utility poles and re-stringing extensive sections of power lines, means restoration is a meticulous, time-consuming process. On Hawaii Island, about 660 customers in Kaloko and 90 in Milolii were told to expect no power overnight.

Broader Societal and Economic Impacts

Beyond the immediate inconvenience of darkness, the widespread power outages carry significant societal and economic ramifications. Businesses, particularly small enterprises reliant on electricity for operations, refrigeration, and point-of-sale systems, face substantial losses in revenue and potential spoilage of goods. Schools and government offices may be forced to close, disrupting daily routines and essential services. Public safety can also be compromised, with non-functioning traffic signals creating hazardous intersections and emergency services facing delays due to blocked roads and communication challenges. The reliance on backup generators for hospitals and critical infrastructure also places a strain on fuel supplies, highlighting the delicate balance of island logistics during a major weather event. Historically, Hawaii has experienced severe disruptions from major weather events, such as Hurricane Iniki in 1992, which underscored the critical need for resilient infrastructure and robust emergency preparedness, lessons that continue to inform current response strategies.

Crews Working Amid Challenges

HECO crews planned to work through the night as long as weather conditions remained safe. The utility company emphasized the challenge of accessing damaged sites. The utility's field teams are engaged in a daunting task, requiring precise coordination and adherence to strict safety protocols while identifying and addressing diverse types of damage, from downed power lines and broken poles to damaged transformers. HECO has activated its emergency response plans, deploying personnel and equipment strategically across the affected islands, often working in conjunction with county emergency management agencies and first responders to ensure public safety and clear access routes. The utility also maintains a fleet of specialized vehicles and equipment, though deployment can be hampered by the very conditions causing the outages.

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No estimated restoration times were immediately available for many areas as of Friday night, with HECO urging customers to remain prepared for prolonged outages.