Summary (tl;dr)

Hawaii is currently experiencing a powerful and slow-moving Kona storm, causing widespread flash flooding, damaging winds, road closures, landslides, and significant power outages across multiple islands, with Maui and Oahu being particularly affected.

Essential Background

Kona storms are seasonal cyclones that typically occur in Hawaii during the winter months, characterized by winds blowing from the "kona" or westerly leeward direction, which is opposite to the usual trade winds. These storms are known to bring periods of heavy rain and hazardous weather conditions. An emergency proclamation was issued on March 9, 2026, to aid in the statewide response and recovery efforts for this specific Kona low weather event.

The Full Story

A powerful Kona storm has been battering the Hawaiian Islands since at least March 11, 2026, with severe weather conditions expected to persist through the weekend into early next week. The storm has brought heavy rainfall, leading to significant flash flooding that has prompted road closures, landslides, and power outages affecting over 100,000 residents across Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island.

Maui County has been hit especially hard, with reports of floodwater rescues in Kīhei, road washouts near Hāna, and numerous roads impassable due to flooding, thick mud, and debris. Kahului Airport on Maui recorded 13.6 inches of rain in a 72-hour period ending Saturday evening, exceeding its entire 2025 total. Shelters have been opened across Maui County for affected residents.

On Oahu, flash flooding forced evacuations in towns like Waialua and Haleiwa on the North Shore, and concerns arose about a dam nearing its maximum level. Honolulu has also seen substantial rainfall, with more than 10 inches recorded since Tuesday, significantly higher than its average March rainfall. The Big Island summits, including Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, are under high wind and winter storm warnings, with forecasts of heavy snow and blizzard conditions. Public schools across Oahu, Kauai, and Maui were closed, and many outdoor activities were canceled due to the hazardous conditions.

Why It Matters

This prolonged and intense Kona storm is causing significant disruption and danger across Hawaii, impacting infrastructure, daily life, and potentially the local economy. The record-breaking rainfall and widespread flooding pose immediate threats to safety, leading to evacuations and challenging emergency services. The extensive road closures and power outages are isolating communities and hindering travel, affecting both residents and visitors. Furthermore, the continued heavy rain on already saturated ground increases the risk of further landslides and environmental damage, highlighting the vulnerability of the islands to severe climate events.

Geographic Location

• Maui County, Hawaii, United States (widespread flooding, road closures, landslides, power outages)
• Kīhei, Maui County, Hawaii, United States (floodwater rescues, road washouts)
• Hāna, Maui County, Hawaii, United States (road washouts, flooding, residents cut off)
• Kula, Maui County, Hawaii, United States (heavy rainfall, rushing water, Kula Highway closure)
• Kahului, Maui County, Hawaii, United States (record rainfall at airport, shelter opened)
• Lahaina, Maui County, Hawaii, United States (flooding, shelter opened)
• Lanai City, Maui County, Hawaii, United States (shelter opened)
• Kaunakakai, Maui County, Hawaii, United States (high wind gusts, shelter opened)
• Oahu, Hawaii, United States (widespread flooding, power outages, school closures, dam concerns)
• Waialua, Oahu, Hawaii, United States (flash flooding, evacuations)
• Haleiwa, Oahu, Hawaii, United States (evacuation warning lifted)
• Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, United States (significant rainfall, wastewater system strain, power outages in eastern areas)
• Hawaii Island, Hawaii, United States (flash flood warnings, high wind warnings)
• Mauna Kea Summit, Hawaii Island, Hawaii, United States (high wind warning, winter storm warning, heavy snow)
• Mauna Loa Summit, Hawaii Island, Hawaii, United States (high wind warning, winter storm warning, heavy snow)
• Kauai, Hawaii, United States (school closures, camping site evacuations, park closures)