Hawaii Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Hawaii - August 11, 2026

Overview

Hawaii is currently navigating its summer wildfire season under an ongoing emergency proclamation. Governor Josh Green recently issued a Second Proclamation Relating to the 2026 Wildfire Season to allow maximum flexibility in the use of state resources, including the potential activation of the Hawaii National Guard, to respond rapidly to any ignitions. While a wet spring produced abundant vegetation growth across the islands, this greenery is now curing and transitioning into highly flammable fine fuels—particularly invasive grasses—as summer conditions become hotter and drier.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, there have been no new significant large wildfires reported across the Hawaiian Islands. Firefighters and emergency personnel remain highly vigilant, monitoring leeward areas where dry brush poses an ongoing ignition risk.

Significant Events: This past weekend marked the solemn three-year anniversary of the devastating August 8, 2023, Lahaina and Upcountry Maui wildfires. Memorial services and community events were held across Maui to honor the lives lost and reflect on the ongoing recovery, rebuilding efforts, and the heightened awareness of wildfire risks across the state.

Land Management and Prevention: The statewide 2026 Wildfire LOOKOUT! campaign is actively underway, coordinated by the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization and state agencies. Officials are heavily emphasizing the importance of creating a 5-foot defensible space around homes. Residents are being instructed to keep lawn grasses cut short and clear dead leaves, dried vegetation, and other debris from around structures to mitigate the risk of fast-moving brush and grass fires.

Air Quality: Air quality remains generally good across the state. No significant wildfire smoke impacts are currently reported on any of the islands.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Moderate fire weather conditions are present across the state. Scattered trade wind showers and higher humidity are occurring in windward areas and parts of Hawaii County and Maui County, aiding in keeping fuel moisture levels stable in those specific regions.

Forecasted Weather: Fire weather conditions this week are expected to remain just below critical thresholds. While minimum humidity levels will briefly reach critical criteria each day over the driest leeward areas, lower sustained wind speeds are currently limiting the immediate fire danger. There are no active Red Flag Warnings for the state at this time. However, the National Weather Service reminds residents that critical fire weather conditions can trigger rapidly on the leeward (western) sides of the islands when relative humidity drops and trade winds increase.

Additionally, a Small Craft Advisory is in effect for portions of the waters surrounding Maui and the Big Island, including Maalaea Bay, Pailolo Channel, and Alenuihaha Channel, due to breezy trade winds.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Nearly all wildfires in Hawaii are caused by human activities and are preventable. Residents are urged to avoid activities that produce sparks or open flames, such as driving or idling vehicles over dry vegetation, and outdoor cooking with open flames in dry areas. It is crucial to have an emergency evacuation plan in place and to sign up for local county emergency alerts.
Resource Allocation: State and local agencies are coordinating efforts under the emergency proclamation to ensure rapid response capabilities. Fire departments across the islands are maintaining high readiness levels to protect communities from the threat of rapidly spreading brush fires.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA): dod.hawaii.gov/hiema
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
National Weather Service Honolulu: www.weather.gov/hfo

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.