Maui Shelters Closing as Weather Improves

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Emergency shelters at Maui High School Gym in Kahului and Hāna High School Cafeteria were closed on March 16, 2026, after being opened last week before a prolonged Kona storm brought heavy rain, flooding and high winds to Maui County. Remaining shelters in Lahaina and South Maui were set to close at 5 p.m. the same day. The shelters were opened proactively by the County of Maui's emergency management agency and various community partners to provide a safe space for residents and visitors impacted by the storm.

Why it matters

The closure of the emergency shelters signals that the Kona storm conditions have improved and the need for temporary housing has diminished. This is an important milestone in the recovery process for Maui County after the severe weather event.

The details

Over the course of the storm, about 350 people utilized the shelters countywide, with numbers declining on Sunday, March 15, leading to the closure that evening of shelters on Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and Upcountry Maui. The remaining shelters in Lahaina and South Maui were set to close at 5 p.m. on March 16.

• The shelters were opened proactively beginning Thursday, March 12.
• Overnight Saturday, March 14, about 350 people utilized shelters countywide.
• Numbers declined on Sunday, March 15, leading to the closure that evening of shelters on Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and Upcountry Maui.
• The remaining shelters in Lahaina and South Maui were set to close at 5 p.m. on March 16.