Hurricane Lala disrupts Bay Area travelers' plans with canceled flights to Hawaii

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Bay Area travelers trying to reach Hawaii this weekend are facing canceled flights and uncertainty as Hurricane Lala moves toward the islands.

At San Francisco International Airport, passengers bound for Hawaii were adjusting plans after airlines canceled multiple flights because of the approaching storm.

For Burlingame resident Marina Chan, the disruption comes at a memorable moment. She's heading to Honolulu to begin her freshman year at the University of Hawaii.

"It's quite nerve-racking because I've never experienced a hurricane," Chan said. "But I committed to this college knowing there are weather conditions and stuff. I'm ready to take on the hurricane."

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Roseville resident Ruby Peralta and her family were also forced to change their plans after their Saturday morning flight to Honolulu was canceled.

"We're excited, but at the same time, we're scared," Peralta said. "But it is what it is."

Despite the setback, the family is trying to stay positive while searching for alternative travel arrangements.

"We're here as a family, so just enjoy. Maybe a few Mai Tais first," Peralta said.

Her husband, Percy Peralta, said growing up in Hawaii has given him some perspective on what residents are facing.

"I grew up in the islands. We have experienced hurricanes before. I know what the expectations are," he said.

Meanwhile, residents across Hawaii are preparing for Lala's arrival by stocking up on water, batteries and other essentials.

On Oahu, resident Jeremiah Loucks documented his preparations on social media.

"Gotta deal with the storm. Got to go to the store, get water and batteries," he said. "One of the first things that go on the island."

The storm is also affecting travelers already at sea.

Travel blogger Amy English was aboard an Alaska-to-Hawaii cruise ship that encountered rough conditions as Hurricane Lala approached. English said the ship's swimming pool water began sloshing around, prompting the vessel to change course for safety.

Speaking from about 150 nautical miles off Honolulu, English said conditions remained manageable but uncertain.

"It's a little rough. It's not to the point where they have the seasick bags out yet," she said.

The ship is now waiting for Honolulu Harbor to reopen before returning to port.

"The game plan is right now, we'll go back to port when the Coast Guard reopens the Port of Honolulu," English said.

"They're expecting that to be Sunday afternoon, Sunday evening." Until then, she said, "everything is very much up in the air right now."

As Hurricane Lala approaches, both travelers and Hawaii residents are bracing for potential impacts while hoping conditions improve in the days ahead.