The 2026 Central Pacific hurricane season runs through November 30, with August marking its peak. Forecasters give this year a 70% chance of an above-normal season, with as many as 13 tropical cyclones expected across the basin, compared to four or five in a typical year.
After the March 2026 Kona Low storms moved through the islands faster than many residents anticipated, Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan, Hawaii Adjutant General, offered a pointed reminder, “It only takes one storm, one event.” State officials followed by running a full statewide emergency exercise before the 2026 season began.
For families with older adults on Maui, the season is a reasonable prompt to ask how prepared a loved one is in case conditions change quickly.
Why Older Adults Face Greater Risk During Hurricanes
Emergency management research at the state and federal level consistently identifies older adults as among the most affected populations during major storms.
Historical data from large-scale hurricane events shows that adults over 60 represent a disproportionate share of weather-related fatalities, a pattern that repeats across events.
Several factors converge to raise that risk:
- Reduced physical mobility limits how quickly someone can relocate or complete preparation tasks
- Limited personal transportation narrows options when roads become congested, or conditions worsen
- Cognitive changes, including dementia, can make processing emergency alerts and instructions difficult
- Dependence on medical equipment, mobility aids, or scheduled medications adds complexity to any disruption
Emergency researchers also note that rapid decision-making under pressure is itself a documented physiological stressor for older adults, which is why having a support structure in place before a storm matters.
Hurricane Preparedness for Seniors Across Different Living Situations
The level of support available to an older adult during a storm depends heavily on where they live. For adults aging at home independently, preparation falls almost entirely on the individual and their family.
In senior living, the experience differs by support level:
- Independent living residents are largely self-directed and manage their own preparation, supported by on-site resources and team guidance
- Assisted living residents receive hands-on support from trained team members who assist with preparation, communication, and continuity of care
- Memory care residents benefit from consistent routines maintained by team members present around the clock, which is particularly important when conditions create confusion or stress
At all levels of support, family communication plans are part of how communities keep loved ones informed. Respite care provides peace of mind, even just for short-term needs, such as storm preparedness.
What Families Can Do During Storm Season
Hawaii state and federal emergency officials recommend maintaining at least 14 days of water, food, and medications before a storm develops. Families can also take a few practical steps before peak season arrives:
- Confirm that prescriptions are current and medications are adequately stocked
- Look up the official Maui County evacuation zone designation for the loved one’s specific address
- Identify who will serve as the primary point of contact if communication becomes limited
- Ask any community or care provider directly how they communicate with families during a developing weather event
Families who want to understand how Roselani Place supports residents through storm season are welcome to ask during a visit.
How Roselani Place Approaches Storm Season
Roselani Place in Kahului, Maui, offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care. Across all care types, preparedness work happens before a watch is issued, not in response to one.
Our community maintains:
- Emergency generator power for elevator access and battery-operated lighting throughout hallways and common areas, with team members delivering meals and medications to apartments when needed during an outage
- Stocked supplies of food, water, and medications aligned with state guidance on 14-day readiness
- Team coverage plans that account for care continuity before, during, and after a weather event
- Communication protocols that keep families informed as conditions develop
As Maui’s first licensed assisted living community, we are approaching 25 years of building the kind of operation that holds up not just on good days but on complicated ones.
We are proud to say that six of our residents have reached 100 years of age (or older) this year. That does not happen by accident. That track record shapes how we approach hurricane season.
We are not piecing together a plan each May. Our team has worked through active storm seasons, refined protocols over the years, and built routines that support residents across our Kahului community, especially when conditions on Maui change quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Central Pacific hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. August is historically the most active month across the basin.
Research from state and federal emergency management agencies consistently identifies older adults as among the populations most affected by major storms. Physical limitations, cognitive changes, and social isolation each contribute to that elevated risk.
Hawaii state emergency officials recommend a minimum of 14 days of water, food, and medications. Personal medications and any required medical equipment should be factored into that planning.
Independent living residents are generally self-directed during weather events. Memory care residents typically have trained team members present around the clock to maintain consistent routines during disruptions.
Planning Ahead Is What Maui Hurricane Readiness Looks Like
Hurricane readiness for seniors on Maui is not a cause for alarm. It is a cause for a conversation, preferably one that happens before August rather than during an active watch.
The families who get through storm season with the least stress are generally the ones who asked the right questions early.
Schedule a Tour of Roselani Place
Roselani Place offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care in Kahului, Maui. With more than 21 years serving island families, our team is ready to answer questions about care, community life, and year-round support.
Schedule a tour to see the community in person.