In early March 2018, a trough of low pressure extended across Fiji, resulting in inclement weather across a broad area.

[1][2] The system produced persistent convection as it moved generally west-northwest toward Vanuatu under the influence of a subtropical ridge to the south.

[4] Around the same time, the United States-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center also classified the system as a tropical depression, assigning it the identifier 12P.

[6][7] Satellite scatterometer data showed an area of gale-force winds along the north-eastern side of the storm and with the aforementioned development, the JTWC classified the system as a tropical cyclone with its center located 210 km (130 mi) north-northeast of Port Vila, Vanuatu.

[8] Overall environmental conditions favored further intensification, marked by ample outflow aloft, high sea surface temperatures of 30 °C (86 °F), and moderate wind shear that was mitigated by the storm's westward trajectory.

[8][9] Hola crossed the islands of Ambrym and Pentecost on 6–7 March;[8] interaction with the land masses of Vanuatu disrupted the storm's core temporarily.

[10] The system subsequently passed over the island of Malekula and moved into the Coral Sea during 7 March, where it rapidly consolidated and developed a 10 km (5 mi) pinhole eye.

As a result, the FMS reported that the system had peaked as a Category 4 Severe Tropical Cyclone with 10-minute sustained winds of 165 km/h (105 mph).

[14] During the nascent stages of the cyclone in early March, heavy rain alerts were issued for the entirety of Fiji with accumulations in excess of 100 mm (3.9 in) likely.

[18] A level 2 alert, the second highest, was issued for Lifou, Maré, and Ouvéa on 9 March, prompting the closure of businesses and schools.

[20] During the cyclone's passage, the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazard Department issued a "red alert" for Malampa, Penama, Sanma, and Shefa provinces.

[30] Following the storm's passage, the Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office conducted aerial damage assessments and coordinated with local agencies to begin relief efforts.

[22] On 21 March, Vanuatu Minister of Health Jerome Ludvaune asked the government to declare a major disaster for North Malakula, stating the damage there was similar to Cyclone Pam.

Furthermore, 40 million vatu (US$360,000) in funds was provided for West and South Ambae toward recovery from Hola and the Manaro Voui volcanic eruption.

[33] The China Civil Engineering Construction Company provided logistics assistance to the Malampa Government and supported local community activities.

[36] The New Zealand MetService raised alerts for heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas in relation to Hola,[37] primarily for northern areas of the country.