Pahala residents struggle with power outages after Hurricane Lala

Aug 20, 2026

Days after Hurricane Lala hit the southern Big Island, the town of Pahala is still without power or running water — a hard situation for residents with no quick fix in sight.

  • Roads from Hilo have reopened, but the whole town remains blacked out.
  • People can't wash clothes or keep food from spoiling, and are cooking what they have before it goes bad.
  • One resident's backyard turned into a mud river five feet deep in seconds.
  • The local hospital says supplies are hard to get, and damaged cars leave many unable to drive out for fuel.
  • Union volunteers are handing out ice and food, and donation drop-off sites are open.

Outlook: Pahala and nearby Naalehu will likely stay in survival mode for weeks while crews work to restore power and water.

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