A fast-moving brush fire near Olowalu Village in West Maui has burned more than 100 acres, forcing residents to evacuate as firefighters continue working to contain the blaze.
The Olowalu fire was first reported at approximately 1:57 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
Maui County officials said the fire had grown to more than 100 acres and was approximately 40% contained as of Saturday evening.
An evacuation order remains in effect for portions of Olowalu Village, while firefighters continue working on the ground to control hotspots and prevent the fire from spreading.
No structures had been reported damaged or destroyed in the latest official update.
What Happened in the Olowalu Fire?
The brush fire was reported near Olowalu Village shortly before 2 p.m. Saturday.
Fire conditions developed quickly, prompting emergency officials to first issue an evacuation warning before upgrading it to a mandatory evacuation order.
Emergency sirens were sounded as residents were instructed to leave the affected area immediately.
The fire’s rapid spread required a significant response from the Maui Fire Department and other emergency agencies.
Ground crews, heavy equipment, water tankers and helicopters were deployed as firefighters worked to slow the advancing flames.
How Big Is the Olowalu Fire?
The Olowalu brush fire was estimated at more than 100 acres by Saturday evening.
Officials reported that the fire was approximately 40% contained as of 7:30 p.m.
Containment does not mean that 40% of the fire has been extinguished.
Instead, it refers to the amount of the fire’s perimeter that firefighters believe has been secured enough to prevent further spread.
Crews continued working overnight to strengthen containment lines and monitor areas where flames or hotspots could become active again.
Olowalu Evacuation Order Remains in Effect
An evacuation order remains in effect for Olowalu Village from Luawai Street to Ehehene Street.
The order was issued at approximately 2:39 p.m. Saturday after authorities determined that the fire presented an immediate threat to life and property.
Residents within the evacuation area were instructed to leave immediately.
People should not return to evacuated areas until emergency officials announce that it is safe to do so.
Even when visible flames appear to have decreased, changing wind conditions can cause fires to spread or hotspots to reignite.
Emergency Sirens Sounded in Olowalu
Emergency sirens were activated at approximately 2:40 p.m. as conditions around the fire worsened.
Residents were advised to move away from the fire area and follow instructions from emergency personnel.
Those needing additional time to evacuate, including elderly residents and people with mobility issues, were encouraged to leave early.
People evacuating with pets were also advised to bring necessary supplies and keep animals secured.
Are Any Homes or Buildings Damaged?
No structures had been reported impacted in the latest official update.
That is encouraging news for residents, although firefighters continue to monitor the blaze closely.
Wildfires can change direction rapidly, particularly when strong winds are present.
Officials have therefore kept the evacuation order in place while crews continue improving containment around the fire.
Firefighters Continue Working Overnight
Maui Fire Department crews continued firefighting operations on the ground overnight.
Resources responding to the fire included personnel and equipment from several areas of Maui.
Crews deployed included engines, tankers, mini-pumpers and other firefighting equipment.
Private bulldozers and water tankers also assisted with suppression efforts.
Heavy equipment can help firefighters create firebreaks by removing vegetation that could otherwise allow flames to spread.
Helicopters Used to Fight Olowalu Fire
Two helicopters were deployed during daylight hours to assist ground crews.
Helicopters can drop water on active flames and difficult-to-reach sections of a wildfire.
Aircraft operations generally become limited after sunset, meaning ground crews carry much of the responsibility for overnight firefighting.
Air operations may resume when daylight and weather conditions allow.
Honoapiʻilani Highway Reopens
Honoapiʻilani Highway was initially closed between North Kīhei and the Olowalu area because of the fire.
The closure created major travel disruptions for people travelling between West Maui and other parts of the island.
Officials later opened a lane for alternating contraflow traffic.
By approximately 10:30 p.m. Saturday, both lanes of Honoapiʻilani Highway between North Kīhei and Olowalu had reopened.
Motorists are still being urged to use caution because firefighters and emergency crews continue operating near the roadway.
Conditions could also change again if the fire becomes more active.
Drivers Asked to Use Caution
Motorists travelling through Olowalu should reduce their speed and remain alert for firefighters, emergency vehicles and smoke.
Drivers should never stop along the highway to take photographs or videos of a wildfire.
Doing so can create additional congestion and interfere with emergency vehicles.
People should also be prepared for temporary traffic restrictions if conditions worsen.
Emergency Shelter Opens in Lahaina
The Lahaina Civic Center Gym has been opened as an emergency shelter for residents displaced by the Olowalu fire.
The facility is providing a safe location for people who cannot return home because of the evacuation order.
Residents using the shelter should bring essential items when possible.
These may include:
- Bedding
- Food
- Drinking water
- Medication
- Phone chargers
- Important documents
- Personal hygiene supplies
- Pet supplies
Pets are permitted but should be kept in appropriate crates.
South Maui Evacuation Site
A temporary evacuation location was also established at South Maui Community Park and Gym in KÄ«hei.
The site gives residents evacuating toward South Maui another safe place to remain while firefighters work.
The status and operating hours of evacuation facilities may change depending on fire conditions and community needs.
High Winds Remain a Concern
Strong winds are an important concern as firefighters battle the Olowalu fire.
A High Wind Warning has been issued for portions of Maui County through Sunday evening.
Strong winds can make wildfire suppression more difficult by pushing flames into new areas and carrying embers ahead of the main fire.
Embers can ignite dry vegetation far from the original fire perimeter.
Residents near wildfire-prone areas should remain alert even if flames do not appear close to their homes.
Hurricane Nolo Adds to Weather Concerns
Weather conditions around Hawaii have also been affected by Hurricane Nolo, which was forecast to pass south of the Hawaiian Islands.
Although some earlier storm watches were cancelled for Maui County, strong winds remained a concern.
Windy conditions combined with dry vegetation can create dangerous wildfire behavior.
Fire officials will continue monitoring weather changes while determining whether evacuation orders can safely be lifted.
Why Olowalu Is Vulnerable to Brush Fires
West Maui contains large areas of dry grass and brush that can ignite easily.
During periods of strong wind, a small fire can quickly develop into a larger wildfire.
Factors that can contribute to rapid fire spread include:
- Dry vegetation
- Strong winds
- Low humidity
- High temperatures
- Steep terrain
- Windblown embers
These conditions can make wildfires difficult to control even when firefighters respond quickly.
No Cause of Fire Confirmed
The cause of the Olowalu brush fire has not yet been publicly confirmed.
Determining how a wildfire started can take time.
Investigators may examine the area where the fire originated and consider possible causes such as equipment, vehicles, electrical infrastructure, human activity or natural causes.
Until investigators release their findings, claims about what started the fire should be treated as speculation.
What Should Evacuated Residents Do?
Anyone within an evacuation-order area should remain away until authorities officially announce that returning is safe.
Residents should not attempt to enter closed areas simply because smoke or flames appear to have decreased.
Firefighters may still be dealing with hotspots, falling trees, damaged utility lines and other hazards.
Those who evacuated should continue monitoring emergency alerts for information about when the order will be lifted.
What to Take During a Wildfire Evacuation
Residents who may still need to evacuate should be prepared to leave quickly.
Important items may include:
- Identification
- Prescription medications
- Phones and chargers
- Important documents
- Clothing
- Drinking water
- Food
- Pet supplies
- Children’s essentials
People should prioritize safety rather than attempting to collect unnecessary belongings.
Latest Olowalu Fire Update
The latest confirmed information includes:
- The Olowalu fire began Saturday, September 26, 2026.
- The fire was reported at approximately 1:57 p.m.
- More than 100 acres have burned.
- The fire was approximately 40% contained as of 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
- No structures were reported impacted.
- An evacuation order remains in effect for Olowalu Village from Luawai Street to Ehehene Street.
- Firefighters continued working overnight.
- Two helicopters assisted during daylight hours.
- Heavy equipment and private water tankers were also deployed.
- Emergency shelter is available at Lahaina Civic Center.
- An evacuation facility is also available in KÄ«hei.
- Honoapiʻilani Highway has reopened in both directions.
- Drivers should continue using caution near the fire area.
- Strong winds remain a concern.
- The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fire in Olowalu today?
Yes. A large brush fire is burning near Olowalu Village in West Maui.
How big is the Olowalu fire?
Officials estimated the fire at more than 100 acres.
How contained is the Olowalu fire?
The fire was approximately 40% contained as of Saturday evening.
Is Olowalu being evacuated?
Yes. An evacuation order remains in effect for Olowalu Village from Luawai Street to Ehehene Street.
Have any homes burned?
No structures were reported impacted in the latest official update.
Is Honoapiʻilani Highway open?
Yes. Both lanes between North KÄ«hei and Olowalu reopened Saturday night, although drivers should use caution.
Where can evacuated residents go?
An emergency shelter is available at Lahaina Civic Center, while another evacuation facility has been established at South Maui Community Park and Gym in KÄ«hei.
Are firefighters still fighting the fire?
Yes. Ground crews continued firefighting operations overnight.
Are helicopters being used?
Yes. Two helicopters assisted firefighters during daylight hours.
What caused the Olowalu fire?
The cause has not yet been publicly confirmed.
Is the evacuation order still active?
Yes. The latest official update says the evacuation order for the affected portion of Olowalu Village remains in effect.
Conclusion
The Olowalu brush fire has burned more than 100 acres in West Maui, forcing residents from their homes as firefighters continue working to contain the blaze.
The fire was reported Saturday afternoon and spread rapidly enough to trigger emergency sirens and a mandatory evacuation order for part of Olowalu Village.
By Saturday evening, officials estimated the fire was 40% contained and said no structures had been impacted.
Ground crews continued working overnight, while helicopters, bulldozers and water tankers have assisted firefighting efforts.
Honoapiʻilani Highway has reopened, but drivers are being asked to use caution near the fire area.
The evacuation order remains in effect, and residents should not return until authorities announce that it is safe to do so.
Further updates are expected as firefighters assess containment, weather conditions and the safety of evacuated areas.