Flood watch: Flash flooding and road closures hit Kauai, Maui and Oahu
Flash flood warnings and advisories across Hawaii's islands brought flooding, rockfalls and road closures, with evacuation steps taken in East Maui. Here is what residents should know.
Heavy rain has triggered flash flood warnings and advisories across Hawaii, with flooding, rockfalls and road closures reported on Kauai, Maui and Oahu. The National Weather Service extended a Flash Flood Warning for Kauai, while a flood advisory covered windward Oahu. On Maui, a flood watch for the county expired on the evening of Thursday, 29 October 2026, after a day of flash flooding in East Maui and parts of ʻĪao Valley.
Kauai: warning extended as rain continues
The National Weather Service in Honolulu extended a Flash Flood Warning for Kauai until 8:45 p.m., citing heavy rain over the island. Rainfall was falling at rates of up to 1 to 2 inches per hour, with the heaviest rain along the island's eastern slopes and more showers approaching from the southwest, according to Hawaii News Now.
Kuhio Highway remained closed at the Hanalei Bridge because of flooding. Water levels also rose rapidly along the South Fork of the Wailua River. Honolulu Star-Advertiser also reported that the warning was extended again as heavy showers persisted.
The warning means flash flooding is imminent or already occurring in streams, roads and low-lying areas. Forecasters advise people not to drive or walk through fast-flowing or rising water.
Maui: evacuation warning lifted in Kipahulu
On Maui, periods of heavy rainfall on Thursday caused flash flooding, mudslides, rockfalls, downed trees and road closures in East Maui. Flash flooding also affected parts of ʻĪao Valley in Central Maui, according to Maui Now.
The Maui Emergency Management Agency, working with the National Park Service, issued a Genasys evacuation warning for the Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park at 10:43 a.m. on 29 October. The warning was lifted at 5:13 p.m. The county also opened a Temporary Evacuation Point at Helene Hall in Hāna on Wednesday night and closed it at 6 p.m. on Thursday. About five visitors used the site.
Oahu: flood advisory for windward areas
On Oahu, a flood advisory was in place until 10 p.m. because of heavy rain over the Koʻolau mountains, with rainfall rates as high as 1 to 3 inches. Minor flooding was expected in windward communities including Kaneohe, Kailua, Kahaluu, Waimanalo and Kaaawa, among others.
What we know so far
The National Weather Service said deep tropical moisture moved over the state in a narrow band, bringing moderate to heavy showers mid-week. A statewide Flood Watch was in effect from Tuesday morning through late Wednesday, with rainfall possible into Thursday and Friday. Maui's emergency agency moved into enhanced monitoring on Tuesday and partial activation on Wednesday night, and county crews cleared drainage ahead of the storms. Residents can check road closures through county and state channels, including the Kauai Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800 and the National Weather Service at weather.gov/hfo.
Source notes: Hawaii News Now, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Maui Now.
