Hawaii Faces Worst Flooding in 20 Years, Prompting Evacuations

Floodwaters lift homes and cars, causing $1 billion in damage as a 120-year-old dam threatens to fail

Mar. 21, 2026 at 7:49pm

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Hawaii is enduring its worst flooding in more than 20 years, with heavy rains causing widespread damage and prompting evacuation orders for 5,500 people north of Honolulu. Muddy floodwaters have lifted homes and cars, and authorities are closely watching a 120-year-old dam that could fail. The cost of the storm is estimated to top $1 billion, including damage to infrastructure and people's homes.

Why it matters

The intensity and frequency of heavy rains in Hawaii have increased due to human-caused global warming, and this latest flooding event highlights the growing threat of extreme weather events in the state. The vulnerability of the aging Wahiawa dam also raises concerns about the state's aging infrastructure and the need for investment in upgrades and maintenance.

The details

The flooding was triggered by heavy rains that fell on soil already saturated by downpours from a winter storm a week ago. Crews have rescued more than 200 people, and about 10 people were taken to a hospital with hypothermia. Dozens, if not hundreds, of homes were damaged, and officials say the damage could top $1 billion. The National Guard and Honolulu Fire Department airlifted 72 children and adults who had been attending a spring break youth camp.

  • The flooding began on March 21, 2026.
  • Parts of Oahu received 8 to 12 inches of rain overnight.
  • Kaala, the island's highest peak, got nearly 16 inches of rain in the past day.
  • More rain, up to 6 to 8 inches, is forecast for 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.

Rick Blangiardi

The mayor of Honolulu, who said the damage done thus far has been catastrophic.

Wahiawa dam

A 120-year-old earthen dam that is at risk of imminent failure due to the flooding.

Dole Food Company

The company that owns the Wahiawa dam, which has received several notices of deficiency from the state about the dam's safety.

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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 on the acquisition of the Wahiawa dam by the state next week, which could help address the dam's safety issues.

The takeaway

This flooding event highlights the growing threat of extreme weather in Hawaii due to climate change, as well as the need for investment in the state's aging infrastructure, particularly its network of dams that were originally built for the sugar cane industry.