Hawaii floods devastate Oahu and Maui, trigger evacuations, damage hundreds of homes

Hawaii experienced catastrophic flooding that triggered widespread evacuations and damaged hundreds of homes across Oahu and Maui.

“The worst flooding to hit Hawaiʻi in two decades swept homes off their foundations, floated cars out of driveways, and left floors, walls and counters covered in thick, reddish mud”

Hawai‘i Public Radio

This marked the state's most severe flooding event since 2004, when floods in Mānoa inundated homes and a University of Hawaiʻi library.

Hawai‘i Public Radio

The devastating storm system featured heavy rainfall from winter storm systems known as 'Kona lows,' which brought moisture-laden air to the islands.

Evacuation orders were issued for 5,500 residents north of Honolulu in the Waialua-Haleʻiwa area.

Emergency responders conducted extensive rescue operations, saving more than 200 people from rising waters.

Ten individuals required hospital treatment for hypothermia after being rescued.

The Honolulu Fire Department conducted dramatic airlifts, rescuing 72 children and adults from a youth camp on Oahu's west coast.

The flooding caused substantial property damage across the islands, with officials estimating the economic impact could exceed $1 billion.

Damage assessments revealed more than 400 reports of damaged or destroyed homes.

KSAT

Agricultural suffering was particularly severe, with farms around the state reporting $9.4 million worth of damage as of Monday.

Oahu farmers alone accounted for $2.7 million in crop losses.

The destructive force of the floodwaters was evident in personal accounts, such as Michael McEwan and Heather Nakahara.

The couple were trapped in their bedroom closet for eight hours with their pets until firefighters rescued them.

They returned to find their home inundated with red volcanic silt that permeated everything.

This silt would likely leave permanent reminders of the disaster in their home.

Recovery efforts began immediately as the worst of the storm appeared to subside by Sunday afternoon.

“Thousands were forced to evacuate their homes and power was knocked out for customers across the islands by flooding that began late last week and continued into the weekend, brought on by severe storms”

TIME

Challenges continued with ongoing rainfall on already saturated ground.

Power restoration made significant progress, with most customers regaining electricity.

Fewer than 200 customers remained without power across the state as of Monday afternoon.

The National Guard assisted Honolulu responders in recovery operations.

Additional resources continued to deploy across Oahu.

State and county leaders coordinated closely to support evacuations, open shelters, and keep communities safe.

Governor Josh Green expressed gratitude for the community response.

State offices and operations statewide reopened following the severe weather.

The extreme rainfall that triggered the disaster was unprecedented in its intensity.

Parts of Oahu received 8 to 12 inches of precipitation in a short period.

Hawai‘i Public Radio

This deluge came on top of another recent storm that had dumped vast amounts of rain days earlier.

The island's highest peak, Kaʻala, received nearly 16 inches of rain late last week.

This added to the 26.6 inches that fell between March 10 and 16.

The cleanup process presented unique challenges due to distinctive red volcanic mud.

Emergency management officials described this mud as particularly difficult to handle.

Residents had to trudge through silt up to their knees or deeper to reach their properties.

Meteorologists warned that more flooding could still occur in isolated areas.