OLOWALU FIRE UPDATE AS OF 9:15 p.m. 9-26-26

FIRE UPDATE

A fast-moving brush fire, reported at 1:57 p.m. today, Sept. 26, 2026, near Olowalu Village, was estimated at more than 100 acres and 40% contained as of 7:30 p.m. No structures were reported to be impacted. Maui Fire Department resources on scene include Lahaina Ladder, Mini-Pumper and Tanker, Napili Engine and Mini-Pumper, Wailuku Engine and Mini-Pumper, Kahului Tanker and Relief Engine 50. Two private dozers and two private tankers also helped fight the fire. Along with ground crews, two helicopters were deployed during daylight hours. Crews are continuing firefighting efforts on the ground overnight.

EVACUATION ORDERS

An evacuation order, issued at 2:39 p.m. today for Olowalu Village from Luawai Street to Ehehene Street, remains in effect. Residents were directed to leave immediately, evacuate away from the fire area and follow directions from emergency officials. Emergency sirens were sounded at approximately 2:40 p.m.

EVACUATION SITES

• WEST MAUI: Emergency shelter at Lahaina Civic Center Gym, 1840 Honoapiʻilani Highway
• SOUTH MAUI: Temporary evacuation point at South Maui Community Park and Gym, 1501 Liloa Drive, Kīhei

Emergency shelters provide a safe place for residents displaced by the brush fire and offer charging stations for personal electronic devices. Residents should bring their own bedding, food, drinking water, medications, charging cables and other essential items. Pets are allowed but must be in crates. Shelter operations, including available amenities and how long shelters remain open, will depend on fire conditions and community impacts and will be assessed as conditions evolve.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY AND ROAD CLOSURES

• Makai lane of Honoapiʻilani Highway opened at 9 p.m. for contraflow traffic in alternating directions from North Kīhei Road to Olowalu General Store
• Local traffic only from Mile Marker 35 on Honoapiʻilani Highway near Honokohau Stream to Waiheʻe School on Kahekili Highway

WEATHER

The National Weather Service (NWS) at 5:04 p.m. today issued a High Wind Warning, which is in effect for portions of Maui County until 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27. NWS canceled a Tropical Storm Watch, Flood Watch and High Surf Advisory for Maui County on Saturday afternoon, with Hurricane Nolo forecast to pass south of the Hawaiian Islands.

INFORMATION

Maui Emergency Management Agency is in full activation. Sign up for Genasys Protect and MEMA alerts at www.mauicounty.gov/MEMA and follow County of Maui and MEMA on Facebook and Instagram.