Hawaii Kona Low Flooding

Overview

Beginning March 11, 2026, two rare back-to-back Kona Low subtropical weather systems stalled over Hawaii for nearly five days, producing the worst flooding in the state in over 20 years. Some areas received more than 30 inches of rain with wind gusts reaching 100 mph. Oahu's North Shore and Maui were hit hardest, with over 5,500 residents ordered to evacuate and 236 people rescued. Over 115,000 Oahu residents lost power, and the Wahiawa Dam was at risk of failure. Kula Hospital on Maui was evacuated. Governor Green estimated $1 billion in total damages and requested a federal major disaster declaration. Agricultural losses exceeded $7 million across 1,000+ acres. Remarkably, no deaths were reported. The Red Cross opened 11 shelters across 5 islands and served over 1,100 meals. World Central Kitchen deployed teams to Oahu, Molokai, and Maui. Global Empowerment Mission activated its Hawaii operations from its Maui base. Direct Relief shipped over 2 tons of medical supplies and committed emergency grants to local health organizations.