HSTA’s Honolulu, Kahului, and Hilo offices will also close
Posted: March 12, 2026
All Hawaiʻi State Department of Education public and charter schools will close on Friday, in accordance with Gov. Josh Green’s announcement that he will close state offices on all islands tomorrow because of a storm expected to hit the state with heavy rain, flash flooding, severe thunderstorms and damaging winds.
“We’re just trying to be very, very safe,” Green said at a news conference in his State Capitol office Thursday afternoon.
“An incredible amount of rain is coming,” he added, with 15 inches of rain and perhaps more in the forecast. “The fullest brunt of the storm hasn’t hit yet.”
Flood and high wind watches are in effect statewide through Saturday afternoon and evening, with southwest winds 25 to 35 miles per hour and gusts up to 60 mph expected.
The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association’s headquarters on Oʻahu, as well as its Maui office in Kahului and its Hilo office, will also close on Friday because of the storm.
HSTA President Osa Tui, Jr., said, “We want all of our keiki and educators to be safe and take care of themselves and their families over the next few days.”
Unfortunately, state employees who are on pre-approved leave on Friday will likely not have their leave records adjusted, and their day of leave will not be “refunded.” The same thing that happened last month when stormy weather closed the schools.
Speaking at the governorʻs news conference Thursday afternoon, State Schools Superintendent Keith Hayashi said, “We know that every instructional day is important for our students. At the same time, the safety of our students and employees is our top priority. With concerns about flooding, road conditions and potential power outages, this decision helps ensure that families and staff can remain safe at home.”
Students and teachers statewide are scheduled to be on spring break next week, from March 16-20.
On Thursday, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education closed the following schools on Molokaʻi and Oʻahu due to flooded roads affecting safe access to campuses:
Molokaʻi
- Molokaʻi High
- Molokaʻi Middle
- Kaunakakai Elementary
- Kilohana Elementary
- Kualapu‘u Conversion Charter School
- Maunaloa Elementary
Oʻahu
- Hale‘iwa Elementary
- Waialua High & Intermediate
- Hakipu‘u Academy will be closed March 12 and 13