Kauaʻi County Advises Staying Home; Shelters On Standby Amid 60 mph Winds

Kauaʻi County officials urged residents to "stay home, avoid unnecessary travel, and prepare for severe weather" as strong trade winds with gusts up to 60 mph threatened the island. Emergency refuge shelters were placed "on standby (not open unless announced)," and county leaders warned that travel could be dangerous until conditions ease.

The advisory, issued Feb. 8, 2026, came as neighboring islands moved to protect residents and services. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi "ordered all non-essential county offices and services to close through at least Monday." Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda took similar action on the Big Island and reported that "emergency shelters have opened across the island." Officials said Kauaʻi had "had yet to declare an emergency as of Sunday afternoon," but emphasized that shelter status and emergency declarations could change if conditions worsen.

Heavy rain and flooding were concentrated on the Big Island, where NOAA maps showed some rivers quadrupling in height in Kamuela and Hamakua to reach 4 to 6 feet. The Hawaiʻi National Guard has been activated and is "standing by with high-wheel vehicles that can cross flooded areas to deliver supplies or facilitate evacuations," Hawaiʻi Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan said. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources closed all state parks and forest areas to the public Sunday afternoon; the closure includes campgrounds, hiking trails, forest reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and game management areas.

Education and shelter logistics were affected across the state. The Hawaiʻi Department of Education listed school closures, and officials urged everyone to "stay put," specifically advising residents to cancel or avoid planned gatherings for the Super Bowl and the Olympics. On Maui, people who are unhoused were directed to the Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center in Wailuku, where shelter space "will be open in the cafeteria." The American Red Cross is working with officials to identify additional shelters, and announced a temporary evacuation site that would open at 9 p.m. at the gym at King Kekaulike High School in Makawao to provide a safe place to gather.

Residents should monitor local emergency alerts and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency for preparedness information and sign-ups for county alerts. Emergency services, National Guard resources and shelter openings are being staged across the islands to respond as conditions evolve.

For Kauaʻi residents, the immediate implications are concrete: stay home, avoid non-essential travel, secure loose outdoor items and be prepared to move if shelters are activated. County officials have kept shelters on standby for now; watch official county channels for announcements if conditions deteriorate and shelters are opened or an emergency declaration is issued.