Lala leaves Naalehu businesses wrecked and homes flooded

Aug 17, 2026

A slow-moving storm has devastated the small town of Naalehu on Hawaii's Big Island, leaving homes destroyed, businesses ruined, and residents cut off.

  • Flood water rose about 4 feet, gutting the town's landmark bakery — walls torn open, ovens ruined, everything buried in mud.
  • Families were trapped inside their homes as water came up so fast there was no way to get out.
  • Roads and bridges are damaged, and cell service and internet are still barely working.
  • Governor Josh Green toured the area and said some bridges only looked destroyed and were actually blocked by debris, so crews may reopen them in days rather than weeks.
  • The bakery owner says rebuilding will take years, but has not ruled out reopening.

Outlook: Crews are working around the clock to clear roads and restore communication, but many families face starting over from nothing.

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