Tropical Storm Moke is tracking toward Hawaii, threatening to deliver additional heavy rainfall and strong wind gusts to the Big Island. The storm’s approach comes as residents continue to navigate the aftermath of significant flooding and destructive winds left behind by Hurricane Lala earlier in the week.
As of Saturday, August 22, 2026, the storm was situated approximately 425 miles (680 kilometers) southeast of Hilo, moving at a speed of 12 mph (19 kph) in a west-northwest direction. Data from the National Hurricane Center indicated the system had maximum sustained winds of about 50 mph (85 kph). Meteorologists expect the storm to pass south of the Big Island between late Saturday and early Sunday, continuing a westward path near the Hawaiian islands through Tuesday.
Casey Oswant, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu, noted that while the Big Island remains the primary focus for potential impacts, the severity is expected to be more limited compared to the damage caused by Hurricane Lala. Forecasts indicate that the windward and southeast regions of the Big Island could receive between 5 and 10 inches (13 to 25 centimeters) of rain over the weekend, with isolated areas potentially seeing up to 15 inches (38 centimeters). Other parts of the island chain are expected to receive 1 to 2 inches (2 to 5 centimeters) of rain, though some areas in east Maui could experience up to 4 inches (10 centimeters).
While no coastal watches or warnings have been issued, authorities are urging the public to stay alert. The National Hurricane Center warned that the incoming rainfall could lead to dangerous rip currents, life-threatening flooding, and mudslides, particularly in areas where the ground is already saturated from previous storms. The northeast coast of the Big Island previously recorded 43.54 inches (1.1 meters) of rain during Hurricane Lala. Currently, more than 8,000 customers on the Big Island remain without power, according to data from poweroutage.us.
In preparation for the storm, Hawaii Governor Josh Green and other state officials conducted a news conference, advising residents to restock on essential supplies such as food and medicine. For many residents, the prospect of further rain is causing significant anxiety. Tiffany Edwards Hunt, a teacher in Keaau on the east side of the Big Island, described the atmosphere as having a palpable sense of tension as communities grapple with the recovery from recent floodwaters that transformed local areas into rivers.
