Severe Flooding Hits Hawaii, Prompting Evacuations and Dam Concerns

Heavy rains and saturated soil lead to worst flooding in over 20 years, with a 120-year-old dam at risk of failure.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:51am

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Hawaii officials have urged people in hard-hit areas to evacuate due to the state's worst flooding in more than 20 years. Heavy rains fell on soil already saturated by a recent winter storm, leading to muddy floodwaters that have smothered vast stretches of Oahu's North Shore. Authorities have cautioned that a 120-year-old dam could fail, and have issued evacuation orders for thousands of people north of Honolulu. The flooding has caused substantial damage, with officials estimating the cost could top $1 billion.

Why it matters

The intense flooding in Hawaii highlights the growing threat of extreme weather events driven by climate change. The frequency and severity of heavy rain storms in the state have increased, leading to devastating impacts on communities. This event also raises concerns about the aging infrastructure, such as the vulnerable Wahiawa dam, and the need for proactive measures to protect public safety.

The details

Floodwaters have lifted homes and cars, and prompted evacuation orders for 5,500 people north of Honolulu. On Maui, authorities have upgraded an evacuation advisory to a warning for parts of Lahaina due to retention basins nearing capacity. Dozens, and perhaps hundreds, of homes have been damaged, though officials have yet to fully assess the destruction. More than 200 people have been rescued from the rising waters, and the National Guard and Honolulu Fire Department airlifted 72 children and adults from a spring break youth camp.

  • The flooding began after heavy rains fell on soil already saturated by downpours from a winter storm a week ago.
  • The flooding is the state's worst since 2004, when homes and a University of Hawaii library were swamped.
  • Water levels in the Wahiawa dam receded by late Friday, but then went up again with overnight rain.

The players

Josh Green

The governor of Hawaii, who said the cost of the storm could top $1 billion and that the flooding is the state's most serious since 2004.

Wahiawa dam

A 120-year-old earthen dam that has been deemed at risk of imminent failure, with the state sending the owner, Dole Food Company, multiple notices of deficiency since 2009.

Racquel Achiu

A Waialua farmer who stayed to care for her livestock and had to rescue her dogs from drowning in the floodwaters.

Kathleen Pahinui

A Waialua resident who evacuated her home early Friday due to the dam danger.

Tina Stall

A meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu, who warned that there is still potential for more flooding impacts.

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What they’re saying

“Don't let your guard down just yet, there's still potential for more flooding impacts.”

— Tina Stall, Meteorologist, National Weather Service in Honolulu

“My dogs' heads were literally just sticking out of the water. There was so much water, I cannot even express.”

— Racquel Achiu, Waialua farmer

“Hopefully if we make it through today, then tomorrow will dawn bright and sunny. And then everyone can start moving slowly back in, and we can start to resume normal and start cleaning up and helping our neighbors.”

— Kathleen Pahinui, Waialua resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This extreme flooding event in Hawaii underscores the growing threat of climate change-driven weather disasters and the urgent need to invest in resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness measures to protect vulnerable communities.