5 p.m. update: Hawaiian Electric restores 600; about 2,530 remain without power across Maui, Hawaii Island and Oahu

5 p.m. update: Hawaiian Electric restores 600; about 2,530 remain without power across Maui, Hawaii Island and Oahu

• Rain forecast could delay restoration efforts

Release Date: 3/18/2026

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HONOLULU, March 18, 2026 - Hawaiian Electric restored 600 customers on Oahu and Hawaii Island today. However, a new, weaker storm front approaching the state could delay ongoing restoration efforts. The company asks for customers' patience as the remaining restorations are lengthy. Crews are working through hazardous and complex conditions to repair overhead and underground electrical infrastructure, which could be further complicated by additional rainfall.

As of 5 p.m.:

• Maui: About 400 customers remain without power islandwide as crews continue working on restorations. Hawaiian Electric is contacting some customers who should prepare for their outage to extend into next week due to the forecasted storm conditions. Some key repairs involve helicopter use and crews hiking into certain areas, which will need to be stopped in adverse weather and potential flooding.
• Hawaii Island: Power was restored to about 400 customers today. About 2,000 customers remain without power in Hawaiian Paradise Park, Kapoho, Leilani Estates, Mountain View, Nanawale, Orchid Isle Estates, Wright Road, and various pockets in North and South Kona. Damage assessments and tree clearing continue. Additional contractors arrived today and crews from Oahu will arrive tomorrow to assist with repairs.
• Oahu: About 200 customers were restored today as crews made repairs to individual service lines that provide power to neighborhoods. About 130 customers remain without power from the storm in small pockets across the island.

How we restore power

Following a major storm, power can be restored anytime between several minutes to several days. This depends on several factors:

• The cause and severity of the damage to the electric utility's infrastructure
• Weather conditions
• Accessibility of the damaged area
• Special parts needed to repair the damage
• In general, underground repairs take longer than repairs to overhead lines as they are inaccessible until flood waters recede or are pumped out and thick mud removed

After dangerous conditions subside, crews are deployed to repair lines and restore power. Emergency facilities such as hospitals, water utility infrastructure, wastewater plants, military facilities, and the airports will have first priority for restoration after a storm.

Customers are reminded to stay at least 30 feet or more away from downed power lines, as they may still be energized and dangerous. Report them to the Hawaiian Electric Trouble Lines: Oahu: 1-855-304-1212; Maui County: 1-855-304-8181, and Hawaii Island: 1-855-304-9191.