Flood Advisory Issued for Puna and Ka'ū on Big Island

Heavy rain expected to cause flooding on roads, in poor drainage areas, and in streams

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:58am

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A vast, sweeping landscape painting in muted greens, blues, and grays, with dramatic clouds and rain obscuring the distant horizon, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of a tropical storm.A powerful storm system brings heavy rains and the threat of flooding to Hawaii's Big Island.Mountain View Today

The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for downslope portions of Puna and Ka'ū on the Big Island of Hawaii due to heavy rainfall of 1-2 inches per hour. Flooding is expected on roads, in poor drainage areas, and in streams in the affected areas.

Why it matters

Flooding can pose a serious threat to public safety, damage property, and disrupt transportation and other critical infrastructure. This advisory is important for residents and visitors in the affected areas to be aware of the potential hazards and take appropriate precautions.

The details

Radar and automated rain gauges indicated that heavy rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour over the east and southeast parts of the Big Island. Significant rises were observed on the Pāʻauhau Gulch River gauge near Pāhala in Ka'ū. The advisory covers a wide area including Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Volcano, Glenwood, Mountain View, and many other communities.

  • The flood advisory was issued just after 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • The advisory is in effect until 8:15 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for issuing weather forecasts and advisories for the United States, including Hawaii.

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What’s next

The public is advised to stay away from streams, drainage ditches, and low-lying areas prone to flooding until the advisory expires.

The takeaway

This flood advisory highlights the importance of being prepared for extreme weather events in Hawaii, which can quickly lead to dangerous flooding conditions. Residents and visitors should heed the warning and take appropriate precautions to stay safe.