Hawaii Floods Cause Widespread Damage, Hundreds Rescued

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The worst flooding to hit Hawaii in two decades swept homes off their foundations, floated cars out of driveways and left floors, walls and counters covered in thick, reddish volcanic mud. Crews are still assessing the destruction, but authorities say hundreds of homes have been damaged, along with some schools and a hospital. No deaths have been reported, but more than 230 people had to be rescued.

Why it matters

The intensity and frequency of heavy rains in Hawaii have increased amid human-caused global warming, experts say. This storm is being called the state's most serious since flooding in 2004, when floods in Manoa inundated homes and a University of Hawaii library. The damage highlights the growing threat of extreme weather events in Hawaii and the need for better infrastructure and disaster preparedness.

The details

Parts of Oahu received 8 to 12 inches of rain, on top of another recent storm that had dumped vast amounts days earlier. Kaala, the island's highest peak, got nearly 16 inches late last week, on top of 26.6 inches between March 10 and 16. Winter storm systems known as 'Kona lows,' which feature southerly or southwesterly winds that bring in moisture-laden air, have been responsible for the deluges in the past two weeks. The flooding swept homes off their foundations, floated cars out of driveways and left floors, walls and counters covered in thick, reddish volcanic mud.

• On March 24, 2026, the worst flooding to hit Hawaii in two decades occurred.
• The flooding began late on Friday night, March 22, 2026, as heavy rains fell on soil already saturated by downpours from a winter storm a week earlier.

What they’re saying

What’s next

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