A widespread power outage cut electricity across Windward Oahu on Friday afternoon, plunging large stretches from Kaneohe through Kahuku into darkness and turning rush-hour traffic into a crawl. Intersections went quiet as traffic signals shut down, and shoppers at Windward Mall reported stores and common areas suddenly losing power, according to Hawaii News Now.
Crews were dispatched across the island to tackle downed lines and damaged equipment while emergency teams urged residents to steer clear of any fallen wires and brace for delays as restoration work continued. Hawaii News Now reported that crews were working across Oahu and that dozens of outages had left thousands without service during the storm.
The outage started around 1:30 p.m. and knocked out service to more than 14,000 customers across central and east Oahu, affecting Kaaawa, Punaluu, Laie, Hauula, Halawa, Pearl City, Aiea Heights, Kahuku and Kaneohe, and leaving Windward Mall in the dark, according to KITV. Honolulu police told the outlet they were reminding drivers to treat nonworking traffic signals as four-way stops while crews worked to figure out what went wrong.
Traffic thickened along Kaneohe Bay Drive and other Windward routes as drivers slowed at blacked-out intersections and searched for alternate ways around the mess, leading to long backups that stretched well into the afternoon. Hawaii News Now and other local outlets have noted that high winds and falling trees have recently triggered similar, widespread outages across the island.
What Officials Say And How To Stay Safe
Hawaiian Electric says crews must complete safety inspections before any circuits are re-energized and asked customers to report outages and downed lines to its trouble line; Oahu customers can call 1-855-304-1212. The utility also emphasized that this outage was not part of its Public Safety Power Shutoff program and reminded residents to stay at least 30 feet from any fallen wires, according to Hawaiian Electric.
Why This Keeps Happening
Wind-driven outages have become a familiar headache on Oahu, and crews say they often have to pause restoration work when conditions are too dangerous, which can stretch repair timelines. Spectrum News Hawaii reported that crews responded to multiple outages across the island this week, highlighting how gusty weather and tree contacts continue to challenge the grid.
