AccuWeather Estimates $2B in Damage After Hawaii Storms

Governor requests federal emergency declaration to secure recovery funding

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:05am

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a flooded, debris-strewn scene, with physical structures and objects dwarfed by the overwhelming power of the storm's heavy rainfall and flooding.The devastating Kona-low storms in Hawaii have left a trail of destruction, exposing the state's vulnerability to the growing threat of extreme weather events.Honolulu Today

As Hawaii Governor Josh Green requests federal emergency designation to secure funding for recovery efforts, AccuWeather estimates the back-to-back Kona-low storms caused around $2 billion in damage and economic loss across the state. The first storm on March 9 brought hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall, cutting power to over 130,000 customers. The second storm a week later dumped an additional foot or more of rain on already-saturated terrain, with some locations recording over 60 inches of rainfall.

Why it matters

The extreme weather events have dealt a major blow to Hawaii's infrastructure and economy, with significant damage to roads, homes, and businesses. The governor's request for federal disaster aid highlights the need for increased resources and support to help the state recover and rebuild. The high costs associated with rebuilding on the islands also underscore the unique challenges Hawaii faces in responding to natural disasters.

The details

The first Kona storm began impacting Hawaii on March 9, bringing hurricane-force wind gusts, heavy rainfall, and cutting power to more than 130,000 customers at its peak. The second storm came less than a week later, with an additional foot or more of rain falling on already-saturated terrain. Some locations on Oahu and Maui recorded between 30 and 62 inches of rainfall over the month, causing widespread flooding and damage.

  • The first Kona storm began impact on March 9.
  • The second storm came less than a week later on March 19.
  • Governor Green requested a federal emergency declaration on Tuesday, March 28.

The players

Josh Green

The Governor of Hawaii who requested a federal emergency declaration to secure funding for recovery efforts.

Markwayne Mullin

The Department of Homeland Security Secretary with whom Governor Green has been in productive conversations.

Jonathan Porter

The AccuWeather chief meteorologist who estimated around $2 billion in damage and economic loss from the storms.

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What they’re saying

“There is so much damage and everyone I've spoken to in the community is hurting. All of our team's focus is on recovery and community healing right now, using the lessons we learned on Maui.”

— Josh Green, Governor of Hawaii

“Recovery costs are often higher on the islands, where rebuilding and materials are more expensive than on the mainland. The timing of the storms during peak spring break travel amplified the economic toll.”

— Jonathan Porter, AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist

What’s next

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) teams arrived on Maui on Wednesday and stayed through Friday to evaluate infrastructure and housing damage, which is a key step in determining whether the area is eligible for federal disaster aid.

The takeaway

The back-to-back Kona-low storms in Hawaii have caused an estimated $2 billion in damage, highlighting the state's unique vulnerabilities to natural disasters and the need for increased federal support and resources to aid in recovery and rebuilding efforts. The high costs associated with rebuilding on the islands underscore the challenges Hawaii faces in responding to these extreme weather events.