Hawaii Schools Reopened Following Hurricane Nolo
Most public schools on Hawaii Island and Maui have resumed classes, though four Lahaina campuses remain closed.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Public schools across Hawaii Island and most of Maui County officially reopened on September 28, 2026, following evaluations after Hurricane Nolo. While campuses outside of West Maui were deemed safe for operations, four schools in Lahaina remain shuttered.
Why it matters
The continued closures are due to ongoing power outages, water service uncertainty, and the proximity of the active Olowalu brush fire. These conditions necessitate further assessment by the Department of Education before students can safely return to the classroom.
Four schools remain closed in Lahaina, including King Kamehameha III Elementary, Princess Nahi‘ena‘ena Elementary, Lahaina Intermediate, and Lahainaluna High. While the rest of the region reopened, these sites are currently offline due to infrastructure and fire concerns.
The players
Hawaii State Department of Education
The state agency responsible for overseeing public school operations and facility safety protocols.
The details
Department officials cleared the majority of schools for reopening after site assessments confirmed campuses sustained no significant damage from Hurricane Nolo and local roads were accessible. In West Maui, the Department continues to coordinate with utility providers and emergency management to address lingering power and water service issues. Reopening the remaining four schools depends on resolving these infrastructure failures and ensuring the area is clear of risks posed by the active Olowalu brush fire.
Timeline
September 28, 2026: Public schools reopened on Hawaii Island and most of Maui.
The Home Front
This reopening aligns with established safety protocols for public infrastructure following severe weather events. It highlights the logistical challenges of maintaining school access in regions prone to overlapping natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires.
Families with students in the Lahaina area should continue to monitor updates from the Department of Education regarding utility status and potential reopening timelines. Ensure your contact information is current with your child's school to receive direct alerts about future schedule changes.
The takeaway
The Department of Education is managing a phased return to the classroom as infrastructure in West Maui stabilizes. Families affected by the closures at the four Lahaina campuses should stay prepared for future announcements as officials determine safe reopening dates.
Further reading
For more information on school schedules and emergency procedures, visit the Secondary Education resource page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Maui Now | Hawaii News | Local Maui News and Information | Hawaii News.
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