Hawaiian Electric: Prepare now for hurricane season Year-round resilience work reduces outages, supports faster restoration
Hawaiian Electric: Prepare now for hurricane season
Year-round resilience work reduces outages, supports faster restoration
HONOLULU, May 27, 2026 – With an above-average hurricane season forecast for this year, Hawaiian Electric encourages customers to be prepared and have emergency plans in place.
Forecasters project five to 13 tropical cyclones in the Central Pacific this year. Hurricane season runs from June through November, and even a single storm can have significant impacts on island communities. As seen during the March Kona Low events, even unnamed storm systems can cause widespread flooding and damage.
Downed trees and vegetation are the most common causes of power outages during severe weather. Branches and other debris blown by strong winds can contact power lines or damage electrical infrastructure. High winds, rain and lighting can slow down restoration efforts.
Hawaiian Electric crews work year-round to strengthen and modernize our island grids. Efforts to improve resilience include reinforcing poles and lines, upgrading equipment, enhancing system automation, and proactively managing vegetation to reduce outages and support faster restoration.
For example, in 2025, across all islands Hawaiian Electric:
- Replaced 1650 poles
- Upgraded 815 poles
- Trimmed trees/vegetation along 2334 miles of circuits
Prepare now
Customers are encouraged to review Hawaiian Electric’s Handbook for Emergency Preparedness and other resources available at: hawaiianelectric.com/prepare. Printed copies will be available for free at City Mill, Hawaii State Library branches, the Navy Exchange and Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
Hawaiian Electric urges customers to develop their own emergency plans and consider these important tips:
- Build your emergency kit: Include a battery-powered radio, flashlights, lanterns, and extra batteries.
- Stock up on essentials: Have enough water, non-perishable food, medications, and hygiene supplies for at least 14 days for your household and pets.
- Protect your electronics: Unplug sensitive equipment during a storm or outage; reconnect gradually once power is stable.
- Know your breakers: Turn off electricity at your main breaker if evacuating.
- Plan for medical needs: If you rely on electrically powered medical equipment, arrange backup power or identify a safe alternate location.
- Use generators safely: Follow manufacturer instructions and never operate generators indoors or near windows.
- Stay clear of hazards: Treat all downed power lines as energized—stay at least 30 feet away and report them.
- Keep contacts handy: Maintain a list of important phone numbers, including emergency services and healthcare providers.
