Hawaii faces severe floods and infrastructure damage from March 2026 Kona Low

Hawaii was impacted by a significant multi-day Kona low from March 10 to 16, with another wetter pattern possible later in the week. A Kona low is a subtropical cyclone that significantly disrupts the typical trade wind pattern, typically resulting in prolonged heavy rain, flash flooding, and damaging winds.

The March 2026 Kona low brought prolonged, torrential rainfall across Hawaii. Meteorologists recorded repeated bands of heavy rain and thunderstorms, with 5 to 10 inches over much of the state and 15 to 25 inches in parts of Maui and the Big Island, with locally higher totals above 30 inches. The storm produced damaging wind gusts in the 60 to 75 mph range, with local gusts above 100 mph on the Big Island.

The Impact

The multi-day storm severely impacted people, property, and critical infrastructure across the state. Widespread flash floods inundated residential neighborhoods, overwhelmed drainage systems, and caused significant structural damage to local roadways. Commercial operations also faced significant interruptions, as flooding and power outages forced many businesses to shutter their doors and suspend services.

First responders have conducted multiple water rescues, and as of March 16, thousands of residents remain without power as crews clear downed trees and debris. State officials are urging residents to avoid travel as ongoing rain continues to threaten already weakened infrastructure.

Maui has sustained some of the heaviest damage. All of South Kihei Road was closed due to heavy flooding on March 13, and on March 16, South and North Kihei Road remained impassable at several points.

Figure: Map of Cotality Flood Risk Score in area surrounding South Kihei Road in Maui, Hawaii

Data source: Cotality, 2026

Figure: Map of Cotality Flash Flood Risk Score in area surrounding South Kihei Road in Maui, Hawaii

Data source: Cotality, 2026

It’s important to note that a home can be located outside a designated flood zone with a low flood risk score, while still facing extreme risk of flash flooding. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood maps do not account for flash flood risk, which can leave property owners underinsured and underprepared.

When comparing this storm to past atmospheric events, the current system echoes the destructive December 2021 Kona low. Both the March 2026 and December 2021 events were damaging Kona lows that caused heavy rain, flooding, road closures, and power outages.

Cotality will continue to monitor the impacts of this event.

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