Floods and Evacuations Underway on Hawaii’s North Shore

Severe flooding has struck Oʻahu‘s North Shore, particularly in Haleʻiwa, Waialua, and Mokulēʻia, due to a Kona low storm that dropped up to 12 inches of rain overnight into March 21, 2026, prompting evacuations and over 230 rescues. A statewide flood watch remains in effect through Sunday afternoon, with 6-8 more inches forecast for Oʻahu and risks of additional flash flooding across islands including Maui, Molokai, and Hawaiʻi Island.

“Water levels rose to within 3 inches of the 84-foot evacuation trigger at the Wahiawā Dam, peaking over 85 feet before dropping to 81.5 feet by early Saturday, prompting officials to warn of 'imminent failure,' risking 2,500+ lives downstream, although no structural damage was reported.”

Catastrophic flash flooding overwhelmed low-lying areas early Friday, with homes, cars, and roads inundated, leading to evacuation orders for Haleʻiwa and Waialua as roads became impassable. Water levels rose to within 3 inches of the 84-foot evacuation trigger at the Wahiawā Dam, peaking over 85 feet before dropping to 81.5 feet by early Saturday, prompting officials to warn of ‘imminent failure,’ risking 2,500+ lives downstream, although no structural damage was reported.

Over 230 people were rescued by air and water, while nearly 9,000 were without power on Oʻahu, with personal drones hampering efforts. The worst flooding in 20+ years has caused potential $1 billion in costs to infrastructure like airports, schools, roads, homes, and a Maui hospital, with no deaths reported. Maui saw evacuations near Lahaina and road closures in Kihei.

This follows a first Kona low about a week ago that caused initial flooding and heightened soil saturation. Flash flood warnings extended island-wide on Oʻahu until at least Saturday morning, with more heavy rain bands expected through Saturday night, increasing saturated ground risks of landslide, tree fall, and power line risks with winds up to 45-75 mph.

All major islands are under flood watch, with the heaviest additional rain on Oʻahu Saturday and Hawaiʻi Island Sunday. Haleʻiwa, Waialua, and Mokulēʻia residents were ordered to evacuate, with 2,500+ people displaced. Over 230 people were rescued by air and water, while drones hampered efforts. Nearly 9,000 were without power on Oʻahu, with 10,000+ without power statewide.

“The potential $1 billion in costs to infrastructure like airports, schools, roads, homes, and a Maui hospital is a concern.”

“Over 230 people were rescued by air and water, while nearly 9,000 were without power on Oʻahu, with personal drones hampering efforts.”

The potential $1 billion in costs to infrastructure like airports, schools, roads, homes, and a Maui hospital is a concern. Evacuations near Lahaina and road closures in Kihei were reported on Maui. The first Kona low about a week ago caused initial flooding and heightened soil saturation.

Flash flood warnings extended island-wide on Oʻahu until at least Saturday morning, with more heavy rain bands expected through Saturday night, increasing saturated ground risks of landslide, tree fall, and power line risks with winds up to 45-75 mph. All major islands are under flood watch, with the heaviest additional rain on Oʻahu Saturday and Hawaiʻi Island Sunday.