Hawaii Faces Worst Flooding in 20 Years as More Rain Looms

Authorities warn of potential dam failure as heavy rains saturate the islands

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:18pm

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Hawaii is grappling with its worst flooding in over two decades as heavy rains have inundated the islands, prompting evacuation orders for thousands and raising concerns about the potential failure of a 120-year-old dam. The flooding has caused extensive damage, with officials estimating the cost could top $1 billion. Authorities are closely monitoring the Wahiawa dam, which is at risk of imminent failure if more rain falls as forecasted.

Why it matters

The intense flooding in Hawaii highlights the growing threat of extreme weather events driven by climate change. The frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall have increased in the islands, leading to devastating impacts on infrastructure, homes, and communities. The potential failure of the aging Wahiawa dam also raises concerns about the state's aging water management systems and the need for investment in resilient infrastructure.

The details

Muddy floodwaters have submerged vast stretches of Oahu's North Shore, a renowned surfing destination. Raging waters have lifted homes and cars, prompting evacuation orders for 5,500 people north of Honolulu. Authorities have cautioned that the 120-year-old Wahiawa dam could fail, which they say would result in the probable loss of human life. Crews have been searching by air and water for stranded individuals, but their efforts have been hampered by people flying personal drones to capture images of the flooding.

  • The flooding began after heavy rains fell on soil already saturated by downpours from a winter storm a week ago.
  • Parts of Oahu received 8 to 12 inches of rain overnight, with the island's highest peak, Kaala, getting nearly 16 inches in the past day.
  • More rain is expected, with forecasters predicting 6 to 8 inches of additional rainfall on Oahu in the next two to three days.

The players

Josh Green

The governor of Hawaii, who said the cost of the storm could top $1 billion and that the state will receive federal support.

Rick Blangiardi

The mayor of Honolulu, who said the damage done so far has been "catastrophic" and that dozens, if not hundreds, of homes have been damaged.

Wahiawa dam

A 120-year-old earthen dam that is at risk of imminent failure, which could result in the probable loss of human life.

Dole Food Company

The company that owns the Wahiawa dam, which has received multiple notices of deficiency from the state since 2009 and was fined $20,000 five years ago for failing to address safety issues.

Kathleen Pahinui

A Waialua resident who is preparing to evacuate to a friend's home on higher ground, expressing concern about the aging Wahiawa dam.

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What they’re saying

“This is going to have a very serious consequence for us as a state.”

— Josh Green, Governor of Hawaii

“There's no question that the damage done thus far has been catastrophic.”

— Rick Blangiardi, Mayor of Honolulu

“Just pray for us. We understand there's more rain coming.”

— Kathleen Pahinui, Waialua resident

What’s next

A state board is due to vote next week on the acquisition of the Wahiawa dam by the state, which would allow for the repair and expansion of the spillway to comply with dam safety requirements.

The takeaway

The devastating flooding in Hawaii underscores the urgent need for investment in resilient infrastructure and adaptation measures to address the growing threat of extreme weather events driven by climate change. The potential failure of the aging Wahiawa dam also highlights the importance of proactive maintenance and upgrades to the state's aging water management systems.