Oahu Faces Worst Flooding in 20 Years, Damage Exceeds $1 Billion

Thousands evacuated as heavy rains and dam concerns plague Hawaii's North Shore

Mar. 21, 2026 at 7:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Residents on the Hawaiian island of Oahu are contending with the worst flooding the state has seen in more than 20 years, forcing thousands to abandon their homes. The Pacific island's North Shore, known worldwide for its surfing waves, is experiencing the brunt of the storm, with forecasters predicting additional rainfall in the coming days. Severe flooding has damaged cars and homes, washed away roads, and prompted the evacuation of at least 5,500 people north of Honolulu. Damage to private and public property is estimated to exceed $1 billion.

Why it matters

The flooding in Oahu highlights the growing vulnerability of Hawaii's infrastructure and communities to extreme weather events, which experts suggest are becoming more intense due to human activity. The potential for dam failure at the aging Wahiawa Dam, built by the Dole Food Company, introduces an additional layer of urgency to the crisis, underscoring the need for long-term strategies to mitigate the risks posed by aging infrastructure and increasingly severe weather patterns.

The details

Rivers of muddy water swept across the island on Thursday and Friday, damaging cars and homes and washing away roads. At least 5,500 people north of Honolulu have been evacuated. Hawaii Governor Josh Green stated that this week's flooding is the worst the state has experienced since 2004. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi described the damage as 'catastrophic,' with estimates exceeding $1 billion. Experts suggest the intense weather patterns are due to human activity, with the US National Weather Service reporting 16 inches of rainfall overnight Thursday at Oahu's highest peak, and more precipitation expected over the next few days. The potential for dam failure at the Wahiawa Dam, built by Dole Food Company, adds to the urgency of the situation, as the dam's water levels have reached 25.6 meters, just 1.8 meters below overflowing.

  • On Thursday and Friday, rivers of muddy water swept across the island, causing severe flooding.
  • As of Friday, the Wahiawa Dam's water levels had reached 25.6 meters, just 1.8 meters below overflowing.
  • The US National Weather Service reported 16 inches of rainfall overnight Thursday at Oahu's highest peak.

The players

Josh Green

The Governor of Hawaii, who stated that this week's flooding is the worst the state has experienced since 2004.

Rick Blangiardi

The Mayor of Honolulu, who described the damage as 'catastrophic.'

Wahiawa Dam

A dam built by the Dole Food Company in 1906, which has raised concerns about potential failure due to the extreme weather conditions.

Dole Food Company

The company that built the Wahiawa Dam and has been fined in the past for failing to address safety concerns.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“What we have is going to have a remarkably 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

What’s next

State officials have sought repairs to the Wahiawa Dam since 2009, and legislation authorizing the state's acquisition of the dam passed in 2023, with a board vote scheduled for next week. Authorities continue to monitor the dam's water levels and have ordered 4,000 residents near the dam to evacuate.

The takeaway

The flooding in Oahu underscores the urgent need for Hawaii to address the vulnerabilities of its aging infrastructure, particularly dams, in the face of increasingly severe weather patterns driven by climate change. Long-term strategies to mitigate these risks and protect communities will be crucial as the state grapples with the aftermath of this disaster.