Molokai Battered by Second Kona Low Storm

Heavy rains, flooding, and road closures force businesses and schools to shut down across the island

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:02am

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A Kona low storm system that had already caused widespread flooding and damage across Hawaii returned to Molokai last weekend, forcing the closure of schools, government offices, and many businesses. The storm brought heavy rains, flash flooding, and dangerous road conditions that isolated residents on the island's East End. Hundreds of people have been rescued statewide, and officials estimate the storm could cost over $1 billion in damages to the public and private sectors.

Why it matters

Molokai has faced repeated extreme weather events in recent years, exposing the island's vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. These back-to-back Kona low storms highlight the need for improved disaster preparedness and resilience efforts to protect Molokai's remote communities and critical infrastructure from the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters.

The details

The storm brought one to two inches of rain per hour to Molokai, causing severe flooding that blocked roads and cut off access to the island's East End. Many businesses, including the island's largest grocery stores, were forced to close early or remain shut down for the entire weekend. The American Red Cross set up a shelter at the Mitchell Pauole Center, and a temporary evacuation point was established in ʻUalapuʻe. Widespread damage was reported, including new potholes, mud, rocks, and debris covering Kamehameha V Highway.

  • The Kona low storm first hit Hawaii on March 12-15.
  • The storm system returned to Molokai on Friday, March 19.
  • On Saturday, March 20, the National Weather Service issued a flood warning for Molokai, predicting one to two inches of rain per hour.
  • The storm continued through the weekend, with improved weather conditions by Sunday evening.

The players

Josh Green

The Governor of Hawaii, who stated that the storm could cost over $1 billion in damages to the public and private sectors.

Maria Watanabe

The owner of C. Pascua Store, which remained open throughout the storm to serve the community.

Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO)

The nonprofit organization that canceled all bus rides on Molokai due to the hazardous conditions.

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What they’re saying

“This is the largest flood that we've had in Hawaii in 20 years.”

— Josh Green, Governor of Hawaii

“We opened because a lot of people need something, so we decided to open to serve the community.”

— Maria Watanabe, Owner, C. Pascua Store

“MEO Molokai has canceled all bus rides today due to hazardous conditions from the Kona storm.”

— Maui Economic Opportunity

What’s next

Officials will continue to assess the damage from the storm and work to restore access and services to affected areas of Molokai. The National Weather Service forecasts mostly sunny skies for the island in the coming week, providing an opportunity for recovery efforts.

The takeaway

The back-to-back Kona low storms have highlighted the increasing vulnerability of Molokai's remote communities to the impacts of extreme weather events. This underscores the urgent need for the island to invest in infrastructure improvements, disaster preparedness planning, and climate resilience initiatives to protect residents and businesses from the growing threat of natural disasters.