Hawaii Faces Worst Flooding in 20 Years, Threatens Aging Dam

Evacuation orders issued as heavy rains pummel Oahu, causing widespread damage and raising concerns over potential dam failure

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Hawaii is enduring its worst flooding in more than 20 years, with heavy rains pummeling the island of Oahu and prompting evacuation orders for over 5,500 people. Authorities are closely monitoring the aging Wahiawa dam, which is at risk of failure due to the rising water levels. The flooding has caused widespread damage, with officials estimating the cost could top $1 billion. No deaths have been reported, but over 200 people have been rescued, and about 10 were hospitalized with hypothermia.

Why it matters

The flooding in Hawaii highlights the increasing intensity and frequency of extreme weather events driven by climate change, which can pose significant risks to aging infrastructure like the Wahiawa dam. The potential failure of the dam could result in a catastrophic loss of life and property, underscoring the need for proactive measures to address the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure in the face of a changing climate.

The details

The heavy rains have caused muddy floodwaters to smother vast stretches of Oahu's North Shore, a community known for its big-wave surfing. The raging waters have lifted homes and cars, and authorities have cautioned that the 120-year-old Wahiawa dam could fail. Governor Josh Green has said the cost of the storm could top $1 billion, including damage to airports, schools, roads, homes, and a Maui hospital.

  • The flooding began on March 21, 2026, with heavy rains falling on soil already saturated by downpours from a winter storm a week earlier.
  • On March 25, 2026, the water level in the Wahiawa dam peaked at more than 85 feet (26 meters), just 6 feet (1.8 meters) shy of its capacity.

The players

Josh Green

The governor of Hawaii, who stated that 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 located about 17 miles northwest of Honolulu, which is at risk of imminent failure due to the rising water levels.

Dole Food Company

The company that owns the Wahiawa dam, which has been cited multiple times by the state for safety deficiencies.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 pave the way for necessary repairs and upgrades to the aging infrastructure.

The takeaway

The flooding in Hawaii serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure, such as aging dams, in the face of a changing climate. This event highlights the importance of proactive measures to mitigate the risks posed by extreme weather events and ensure the safety and resilience of communities.