#Hawaii Weather

The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa has identified a large-scale tropical disturbance called the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) as a significant driver of the islands’ climate, including extreme events, such as the extraordinary rainfall Hawaiʻi experienced in March and April.

Shelters remain open in South and East Maui. Molokaʻi shelter support is available as needed by calling 808-280-8968 

A low-pressure system is drawing moisture northward across the state, causing the potential for heavy rain, thunderstorms and flash flooding.

Maui Emergency Management Agency, other County of Maui departments / agencies and the American Red Cross will proactively open shelters across Maui at 5 p.m. today, April 8, 2026, ahead of severe weather impacts. 

County crews are gearing up for storm response as impacts from a low pressure system begin impacting the state. Two shelters on Maui will proactively open at 5 p.m., including locations in Kīhei, and Wailuku. Residents and visitors on Maui and Molokaʻi are urged to conserve water as a precaution during this severe weather event.

A winter and spring of record-setting rainfall in Hawaiʻi likely is linked to record-breaking heat on the U.S. West Coast, the National Weather Service said.

Increased moisture will bring periods of heavy rain and a risk of flash flooding to the entire state by the end of this week and possibly into the weekend, with the most likely period of significant impacts during a period from Wednesday night, April 8, through early Friday, April 10.

Lahaina residents returned the favor after the Moloka’i community was among the first to respond with boatloads of emergency supplies after the fires.

A kona low developing west of the islands will draw abundant moisture northward as it strengthens and eventually departs to north early next week. Several rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall are anticipated. The heaviest rain is expected Friday night through Saturday.

MEMA is working with local and state partners to assess damage from the storm. There are still multiple road closures and traffic advisories in place. This is an updated recap of storm impacts, response, and resources on Maui.

The large and powerful kona storm that has been slowly moving across the Hawaiian Islands, is expected to begin lifting northeastward today into Monday, with heavy rain and strong winds easing across the state, according to the National Weather Service. However, periods of unsettled wet weather in a light and variable low level wind pattern will continue across the state through next week.

A powerful kona storm continues to hit Maui County, forcing widespread road closures from flooding, landslides, downed power lines and other infrastructure issues. The National Weather Service anticipates severe weather will last through Sunday for Maui County.

Maui Fire Department conducted floodwater rescues overnight in South Maui; also last night, dozens of people, who are now at a shelter, were cut off in Hāna due to road washout. Over the last 14 hours, some areas received more than 20 inches of rain (Kula) and wind gusts more than 70 mph (Kaunakakai).

A large, prolonged kona storm continues to bring periods of heavy rain and flash flooding to Maui County and the rest of the state. Here is the latest County of Maui recap.

A powerful kona storm is producing periods of hazardous weather impacts across the Hawaiian Islands through the weekend. Threats range from significant flash flooding, damaging winds, strong to severe thunderstorms, and snow and ice over the highest Big Island summits. Maui is under a High Wind Warning through Sunday morning and a Flood Watch through Saturday afternoon.

As severe weather from a powerful Kona storm begins blanketing the state, the Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Insurance Division is encouraging residents to review their insurance policies and take steps now, that can make the recovery and insurance claims process easier after the storm passes.

To prepare for a powerful kona storm, Mayor Richard Bissen signed an emergency proclamation on Tuesday, that lets the county access state and federal assistance and streamlines procedures to quickly deploy resources, personnel and services if needed.

The risk for flash flooding will begin today for Kauaʻi, tonight for Oʻahu, Wednesday for Maui County, and Wednesday night for Hawaiʻi Island. The potential for strong to severe thunderstorms and damaging southerly winds is expected to increase significantly statewide late in the week and into the weekend.

A powerful kona storm will begin impacting the western end of the state as early as Tuesday, then spread across the remainder of the island chain by midweek.

“A strong low pressure system will bring deep moisture over the state, leading to the potential for heavy rain, flash flooding and thunderstorms,” according to the NWS. “The threat for flash flooding could develop over Kaua’i County late Monday, spreading eastward to the entire state Tuesday and Wednesday, and persisting through the rest of the week.”