Summary (tl;dr)

A powerful and slow-moving "Kona storm" is currently impacting the Hawaiian Islands, leading to widespread flash flooding, damaging winds, landslides, and significant power outages across multiple islands.

Essential Background

Kona storms, also known as Kona Lows, are seasonal low-pressure systems that typically form west or southwest of Hawaii, drawing deep tropical moisture across the islands. Unlike typical trade winds, these systems bring winds from the "kona" or westerly leeward direction. Due to their slow movement, Kona Lows can produce prolonged heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms, and strong winds, often resulting in significant flooding.

The Full Story

Since Tuesday, March 11, 2026, the Hawaiian Islands have been experiencing a severe Kona storm, causing extensive hazardous weather conditions. Flash flood warnings have been in effect for Maui, Molokaʻi, and parts of Hawaii Island, with considerable flooding reported in streams, rivers, roads, and low-lying areas. Rainfall totals have been staggering, with some areas on Maui receiving over 23 inches in a 24-hour period, and Kahului Airport on Maui recording 13.6 inches in a 72-hour period, potentially making it Kahului's wettest month in recorded history.

The storm has caused numerous road closures due to flooding, landslides, sinkholes, and downed power lines, effectively cutting off communities like Hana in East Maui and parts of Kaʻū on Hawaii Island. Emergency services have conducted floodwater rescues in South Maui, and shelters have been opened across Maui County, including in Lanai City, Hana, Kahului, Kaunakakai, Lahaina, and Kihei, accommodating over 100 people. Over 100,000 Hawaiian Electric customers across Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island have lost power, with repairs challenged by ongoing stormy conditions. Concerns intensified on Oahu regarding a dam nearing its maximum capacity, although an evacuation warning for North Shore towns like Waialua and Haleiwa was later lifted as water levels stabilized. Governor Josh Green declared an emergency proclamation and ordered the closure of public schools, state offices, and University of Hawaii campuses statewide on Friday, March 13, in anticipation of severe weather. High wind warnings are also in effect, with gusts exceeding 70 mph in some areas, and snow and ice have been reported over the highest summits of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea on Hawaii Island.

Why It Matters

This severe Kona storm highlights Hawaii's vulnerability to extreme weather events, which can significantly disrupt daily life, damage critical infrastructure, and pose threats to public safety. The widespread power outages, road closures, and mandatory evacuations underscore the immediate dangers and economic impacts on residents and businesses, including the tourism industry, which has seen tour cancellations. The intensity and prolonged nature of this storm also raise concerns about the increasing frequency and severity of such events due to climate change, emphasizing the ongoing need for robust disaster preparedness and resilience strategies across the islands.

Geographic Location

• Hana, Maui, Maui County, Hawaii, United States (road washouts, community cut off, shelter opened)
• Kahului, Maui, Maui County, Hawaii, United States (shelter opened, significant rainfall recorded at airport)
• Kihei, Maui, Maui County, Hawaii, United States (boat grounded, South Maui Community Park gym shelter opened, South Kihei Road closures)
• Kula, Maui, Maui County, Hawaii, United States (over 20 inches of rain, Kula Highway closed)
• Lahaina, Maui, Maui County, Hawaii, United States (flooding reported, Lahaina Civic Center shelter opened, evacuation warning/advisory for Wahikuli and Leialiʻi areas)
• Molokaʻi, Maui County, Hawaii, United States (island-wide flash flooding, Kamehameha Highway near Kawela Gulch closed, Kaunakakai Gym shelter opened, wind gusts over 70 mph in Kaunakakai)
• Lanai City, Lānaʻi, Maui County, Hawaii, United States (Lanai High and Elementary School gym shelter opened)
• Honolulu, Oahu, Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States (general flooding concerns, National Weather Service office located here)
• Waikiki, Oahu, Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States (power outages)
• Waialua, Oahu, Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States (evacuation warning for Otake Camp, later lifted)
• Haleiwa, Oahu, Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States (evacuation warning, later lifted)
• Puna, Hawaii Island, Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States (majority of power outages, Flash Flood Warning)
• Kaʻū, Hawaii Island, Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States (Flash Flood Warning, Highway 11 closures, Naʻalehu and Pahala cut off, 10-15 inches of rain)
• Naʻalehu, Hawaii Island, Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States (community cut off, Naʻalehu Community Center shelter opened)
• Pahala, Hawaii Island, Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States (community cut off, Robert N. Herkes Gym shelter opened)
• Kona, Hawaii Island, Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States (Flash Flood Warning, Aliʻi Drive closures)
• Mauna Loa, Hawaii Island, Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States (snow and ice on summit)
• Mauna Kea, Hawaii Island, Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States (snow and ice on summit)
• Kauai, Kauai County, Hawaii, United States (school closures, state parks closed, evacuation orders for camping sites)