Hawaiian Electric Issues Shutoff Watch for Maui
The utility says a possible power shutoff could follow high winds and dry conditions across Maui County and Hawaiʻi Island through Sunday.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Forecasts
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Hawaiian Electric has issued a public safety power shutoff watch covering Maui County and Hawaiʻi Island, which remains in effect through Sunday. A watch does not mean power will be shut off, but the utility may proactively cut power in high wildfire-risk communities if conditions intensify.
Why it matters
High winds and dry conditions raise wildfire risk, and the utility says outages unrelated to its shutoff program could still occur. Residents across Hawaiʻi should monitor conditions and be prepared for disruption in affected communities.
The utility's watch is a forward-looking advisory tied to forecast wind and dryness rather than observed outages. It is unclear whether conditions will worsen enough to trigger shutoffs within the next 24 to 48 hours.
The players
Hawaiian Electric
Hawaiʻi's primary electric utility, which operates the grid serving Maui County and Hawaiʻi Island and runs the public safety power shutoff program.
The details
Hawaiian Electric is monitoring weather closely, pre-positioning crews and equipment, and coordinating with state and county emergency officials. Power will stay off at night in any shutoff area until crews inspect lines and equipment and make repairs.
Timeline
Nov. 6: Hawaiian Electric issues the shutoff watch.
Next 24 to 48 hours: Possible window for weather-driven shutoffs if conditions intensify.
Sunday, Nov. 8: Watch remains in effect through this date.
Seasonal Patterns
The watch applies the shutoff framework Hawaiian Electric adopted after the 2023 Maui wildfires, which allows proactive power cuts in high-risk areas during dry, windy periods. It signals the utility's continued reliance on that approach during dry-season wind events.
Keep devices charged and have flashlights and water on hand in case power is cut. Stay at least 30 feet away from downed or sagging power lines and report outages in Maui County to the Trouble Line at 1-855-304-8181.
The takeaway
Residents in the watch area should prepare for possible outages through Sunday, since a watch can precede an actual shutoff by hours. Planning for a night without power now reduces risk if conditions worsen.
Further reading
For the latest outlooks on wind and dryness across the islands, see Forecasts in Hawaii's weather coverage.
More information
Find shutoff information and maps on Hawaiian Electric's site, or call the shutoff information hotline at 1-844-483-8666.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Maui Now | Hawaii News | Local Maui News and Information | Hawaii News.
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