HONOLULU (March 13, 2026) — As the Kona low pressure storm affects communities statewide, the American Red Cross has expanded sheltering operations across Hawai‘i. Working with the Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the County of Maui Department of Human Concerns, Red Cross teams have opened additional shelters on Lāna‘i Moloka‘i and in Hāna, complementing shelter sites supported by community partners in Maui County and on neighboring islands.
Red Cross shelters provide a safe, supportive environment with cots, food and water. Residents are encouraged to bring bedding, essential items and medications. Crated pets are welcome, and to assist families arriving with animals, MEMA and the Maui Humane Society have supplied extra pet crates to Maui High School Gym and South Maui Community Park Gym.
Trained Red Cross volunteers are available to support emotional well‑being. Disaster health workers can help with basic medical needs, while disaster mental health and spiritual care volunteers offer comfort and support to those coping with the stress of the storm.
All Red Cross services are free of charge and open to anyone seeking refuge during the storm.
Open Shelter Locations:
O’ahu Emergency Shelters are located at the following sites:
- Waialua High and Intermediate - 67-160 Farrington Hwy, Waialua, HI 96791
- Nanakuli High and Intermediate - 89-980 Nanakuli Avenue, Waiʻanae, HI 96792
- Kahuku Elementary - 56-170 Pualalea Street, Kahuku, HI 96731
Maui County Emergency Shelters are located at the following sites:
- Hāna High School Cafeteria – 4111 Hāna Highway, Hāna
- Lānaʻi High & Elementary School Gym - 555 Fraser Ave., Lānaʻi City
- Kaunakakai Gym – 180 Ala Malama Ave., Kaunakakai, Moloka‘i
The Red Cross encourages residents who feel unsafe or who have been displaced by storm impacts to go to the nearest open shelter. Volunteers remain ready to support individuals and families throughout the duration of the weather event.
How to Stay Informed
Residents are urged to follow guidance from county emergency officials and monitor local media for updates. Information on Red Cross services and preparedness resources is available at redcross.org or through the Red Cross Emergency App.
Red Cross emergency shelters are a safe place and act as a hub for help. Anyone who has been affected is welcome to stop by to charge their phone and get support. We don’t ask for identification.
- Find open locations on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). You can also check with local officials and monitor local news for information on where to get help.
- If possible, bring prescription medications, comfort items and important documents with you. Don’t forget any special items for family members, pets or children, such as diapers, formula and toys.
- When you arrive at a Red Cross evacuation location, you’ll be asked to register and provide some basic information, along with any specific needs you may have during your stay.
- Next, you’ll learn about available services and rules. If you have a pet or service animal, we’ll help you to get them situated as comfortably as possible.
- Everyone is welcome in our evacuation centers, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability or citizenship status. All disaster assistance is free.
- Our volunteers strive to treat everyone who comes to us with dignity and respect. We help people of all ages with a wide range of concerns, including disabilities, access or mobility needs, and mental and chronic health issues.
- Crated domestic pets are welcome.
If an emergency threatens your neighborhood, be prepared to evacuate quickly by leaving the area if local officials tell you to do so.
- Plan in advance where you’ll go, how you’ll get there and where you’ll stay.
- If you need help leaving or use public transportation, you may need extra time to evacuate.
- Don’t forget your pets. If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them to stay behind.
- Take your emergency go-kit with three days of supplies like food, water and medicine. Include backup batteries and chargers for your devices (phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.).
- Learn more about what should be in an emergency kit by visiting redcross.org/Hawaii.
- Follow evacuation routes and don’t try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked.
- Check with loved ones and neighbors to see if they’ve left. You could save a life just by sending a text or making a call.
During a flood, be prepared to evacuate immediately if local officials advise. Don’t return home until officials say it’s safe.
Don’t walk, swim or drive through floodwaters. Turn around, don’t drown!
- Stay off the roads. If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.
- Just 6 inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock you over, and 12 inches can carry your car away.
- Follow evacuation routes and don’t try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked.
- If you’re caught on a flooded road and waters are rising around you, quickly get out of the car, move to higher ground and stay there.
- Check with loved ones and neighbors to see if they need help. You could save a life just by sending a text, making a call or knocking on their door.
Cleaning up after a flood can be overwhelming. Be cautious and take care of yourself.
- Wear protective clothing, including long pants, boots, work gloves and an N95 respirator to protect your lungs.
- Watch out for debris and avoid fallen power lines, poles and wires.
- Stay away from floodwaters, which may contain sewage, sharp items, bacteria and chemicals that can make you sick.
- Don’t touch electrical equipment if it’s wet or if you’re standing in water.
- Flooding can contaminate drinking water. Follow the advice of local public health officials to protect yourself. Throw out food that got wet or warm. When in doubt, throw it out!
- If your home was flooded, completely dry your home and everything in it as quickly as possible to help prevent mold.
- Keep wet areas well-ventilated and throw away wet materials that can’t be repaired or dried.
