Big Island Braces for Hurricane Nolo

Partially collapsed beachfront condominium building — Photo: Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock

As Hurricane Nolo closed in, Big Island officials told residents to get to safe shelter and stay put.

Story Highlights

Hawaii County opened public shelters and urged people in flood zones to move to safer places.
The National Hurricane Center said Big Island residents should shelter in place through Saturday.
Local groups and the American Red Cross supported shelter operations across the island.
Hilo residents filled sandbags as heavy rain and high surf threatened low-lying areas.

Officials Urge Shelter as Storm Nears Big Island

Hawaii County officials urged people in flood-prone areas to head to public shelters or safer homes as Hurricane Nolo approached the Big Island late Friday. The National Hurricane Center director, Michael Brennan, said residents should be in their safe place by Friday evening and remain there well into Saturday. County messages focused on simple steps: secure supplies, avoid coastal areas, and do not drive through flooded roads. The goal was to move people out of harm’s way before winds and rain intensified.

Emergency managers framed the choices clearly: shelter in place if your home is safe, or use a public shelter if it is not. That mirrors what experts say often happens before hurricanes. People choose between staying home, staying with friends or family, or going to public shelters based on risk and access. Officials emphasized timing. Moving early reduces strain on first responders and keeps roads clear once the storm bands arrive. The message was direct and repeated across county channels.

Public Shelters Open Across the Island

Hawaii County opened a network of shelters in phases, including sites in Hilo and other districts. Hawaii Public Radio listed locations such as the Puueo Community Center in Hilo, while county updates added more as the storm drew closer. On Wednesday night, three shelters opened ahead of the main surge, and by Friday more sites were operating to handle increased need. Local reports said the county planned additional openings based on weather changes and demand.

Community partners backed up the county’s plan. Coverage noted that the American Red Cross assisted at shelters, providing staff and supplies. The Salvation Army shifted services to a county-designated site in Hilo to protect vulnerable residents and keep beds and meals available for those without stable housing. These support roles matter, because mass care depends on volunteer groups to handle food, cots, and check-ins when public resources are stretched during a storm.

Residents Prepare on the Ground

In Hilo, residents filled sandbags at a county setup near Francis Wong Stadium as light rain turned steady and storm drains backed up. One local described water creeping into his driveway, which drove him to load up on sandbags before the heavy bands arrived. People stocked flashlights, water, and nonperishable food, while tying down loose items outside. This kind of simple, early action limits damage and helps families avoid calls for rescue once conditions worsen.

County updates reminded drivers to avoid high-water spots and to watch for rising streams. Emergency managers say that clear messages, sent fast and often, reduce complacency and save lives during hurricanes. Past research shows most people do not rush to big shelters unless they must. Many first try to stay with relatives or friends in safer areas. That reality is why counties post broad shelter lists, update them often, and ask people to move before night falls and roads flood.

What This Means and What Comes Next

This response reflects a basic truth about disaster readiness: local leaders must act early and speak plainly. Hawaii County’s step-by-step guidance, layered shelters, and help from volunteer groups fit best practices seen nationwide. Residents now face a patient wait through bands of rain and surf. Once the storm passes, the county will assess damage, reopen roads, and release fuller data on shelter use and impacts. For now, staying put in a safe place remains the safest choice.