Two rare Kona storms slam Hawaii: catastrophic flooding, evacuations, and long recovery ahead

Rare back-to-back storms bring extreme rainfall

Hawaii is reeling after two consecutive kona storms delivered the most severe flooding the islands have experienced in more than two decades. These subtropical low-pressure systems moved across the state in quick succession, striking Oahu, HI and Maui with intense rainfall and strong winds.

The storms developed rapidly. They persisted.

Several mountain regions recorded between 20 and 40 inches of rain during the event. In Kahului, Maui, a full year of rainfall fell within just a few days. The city is now experiencing its wettest month on record, with nearly 20 inches measured.

This sequence is uncommon.

“On average, one to two kona storms affect Hawaii each season. However, it is extremely rare for two kona storms to impact the islands within the same month, especially in the span of a week," said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.

Floodwaters surge through communities on Oahu

On the North Shore of Oahu, HI, water moved quickly through streets and neighborhoods. The flow was strong. Residents described currents running through roads.

Homes were lifted. Vehicles were destroyed. Entire streets were submerged.

Evacuation orders were issued for approximately 5,500 people north of Honolulu, HI. More than 200 individuals were rescued from floodwaters as conditions worsened.

A critical concern emerged around the Wahiawa dam. Officials warned of a potential failure, raising the risk of severe consequences for nearby communities.

People left quickly. Many returned to devastation.

“My house is totally unlivable right now," said Olivia Vergiels after returning to Haleiwa, HI, where thick mud covered her home.

Mud remained. Heavy. Widespread.

Flood threat continues as saturated ground faces more rain

Even as the immediate impact began to ease, the risk did not disappear. A flood watch remained in effect for the Big Island, HI, while Maui, HI stayed under a flood advisory.

Additional rainfall of 1 to 2 inches is expected over already saturated terrain. Isolated thunderstorms remain possible.

The ground cannot absorb more water. The threat persists.

Authorities maintained warnings for flash flooding, particularly across Oahu, HI, where conditions remained unstable through the weekend.

Residents return to mud-filled homes and long cleanup

As waters receded, residents began returning to assess damage. Many found homes coated in thick mud. Others found structures severely damaged or completely gone.

Cleanup has started. The scale is significant.

“Anything that was, you know, 4 feet or below, it is just completely wiped out," said Mac Burton from Wailua Beach, HI.

He described homes filled with standing water, followed by layers of mud once the water drained.

“Everyone is kind of in the street, just shoveling out mud and pulling out soaking debris and doing whatever they can to start drying things out," he said. “But we are still without power here, so it is making some of those efforts a little more difficult."

He recalled the moment the flooding intensified.

“I was knocking on doors and just kind of yelling, ‘Hey, I think everyone should wake up. This is kind of a big deal.’"

Infrastructure damage and water safety concerns

The storms caused widespread infrastructure damage across the islands. Roads were washed out. Vehicles submerged. Public facilities affected.

The estimated cost of damage could reach $1 billion, according to state officials, including impacts to homes, schools, airports and a hospital in Kula, Maui.

Water safety has become a concern. On the North Shore of Oahu, HI, a boil-water notice remains in effect due to potential bacterial contamination.

Essential services are still stabilizing. Some areas remain without power.

Emergency response and community effort

Emergency crews and local authorities continue to focus on safety and recovery operations. Multiple departments in Honolulu, HI are involved in debris removal and public safety support.

“Our immediate focus remains on life safety, supporting impacted residents, and stabilizing affected areas," said Scott Humber from the Honolulu Emergency Operations Center.

State officials confirmed that the immediate threat has passed, but urged continued caution as conditions improve and damage assessments continue.

Communities are working together.

“The strength of Hawaii is our people," said Governor Josh Green. “Throughout this storm, we saw neighbors helping neighbors and communities stepping up."

On the streets, the work continues.