Maui Braces for Severe Weather, Shelters Open Across the Island

Emergency management agencies and the Red Cross prepare for potential flooding and landslides as a low-pressure system approaches the Hawaiian islands.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:04am

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and green, with a turbulent, stormy sky dominating the scene and obscuring any visible structures or human presence, conveying the overwhelming power of the natural elements.As a powerful storm system approaches Maui, the island braces for potential flooding and landslides, prompting the opening of emergency shelters to protect vulnerable residents.Kihei Today

Maui Emergency Management Agency, the County of Maui, and the American Red Cross have proactively opened emergency shelters across the island in preparation for severe weather impacts expected from a developing low-pressure system west of Hawaii. Shelters are located in South Maui, East Maui, and Central Maui, providing cots, food, water, and accommodations for pets. The County's transportation department is also offering same-day paratransit rides for eligible residents to reach the nearest shelter.

Why it matters

Maui and other Hawaiian islands have been dealing with a series of recent storms that have saturated the ground, increasing the risks of flash flooding, rapid runoff, and landslides even with less rainfall. Proactive shelter openings and transportation assistance aim to protect vulnerable residents who may not have a safe place to stay during the anticipated severe weather.

The details

The shelters will open at 5 p.m. today, April 8, 2026, and will be located at the South Maui Community Park Gym in Kihei, the Hana High School Cafeteria in East Maui, and the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku, Central Maui. The shelters will provide cots, food, and water, and pets are allowed if they are in crates, cages, or on leashes. The length of shelter operations will depend on the severity of the weather.

  • The shelters will open at 5 p.m. today, April 8, 2026.
  • A National Weather Service Flood Watch is in effect from April 8 through Friday afternoon, April 10.

The players

Maui Emergency Management Agency

The agency responsible for coordinating emergency preparedness and response efforts on the island of Maui.

County of Maui

The local government of Maui County, Hawaii, which is working with emergency management agencies and the Red Cross to open shelters.

American Red Cross

A humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education in communities across the United States, including Maui.

Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) Transportation

A transportation service provider partnering with the County Department of Transportation to offer same-day paratransit rides for eligible residents to reach the nearest shelter.

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What’s next

The National Weather Service and local emergency management agencies will continue to monitor the developing low-pressure system and provide updates on the severity of the weather impacts and the duration of the shelter operations.

The takeaway

Maui's proactive approach to opening emergency shelters and providing transportation assistance demonstrates the island's commitment to protecting vulnerable residents during severe weather events, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.