Historic Hawaii Floods Leave 2,000 Without Power

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More than 2,000 people remained without power Sunday afternoon after Hawaii suffered its worst flooding in more than 20 years when heavy rains fell across the islands. The storm prompted evacuation orders for 5,500 people and led to over 200 rescues, though no deaths have been reported. The cost of the storm is expected to top $1 billion, including damage to airports, schools, roads, homes, and a Maui hospital.

Why it matters

The intensity and frequency of heavy rains in Hawaii have increased amid human-caused global warming, experts say. This historic flooding event highlights the growing threat of extreme weather events and the need for improved disaster preparedness and resilience in vulnerable island communities.

The details

The heavy rains fell on soil already saturated by downpours from a winter storm a week ago. Raging waters lifted homes and cars, causing an expected $1 billion in damages. Hawaiian Electric has restored power to about 1,200 people in Waialua on the North Shore of O'ahu, and expects to return power to 2,000 more people later Sunday. On Maui County, about 100 people were without power Sunday afternoon.

• The storm hit Hawaii on March 22, 2026.
• By Sunday afternoon, March 23, 2026, over 2,000 people remained without power.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Officials continue to assess the damage and make repairs, and Hawaiian Electric expects to return power to the remaining 2,000 customers later on Sunday. Authorities are also monitoring the 120-year-old Wahiawa dam, though the immediate threat of failure has passed.