What is the location of the flooding?
As of April 9, 2026, Hawaii is experiencing renewed flooding threats from a multi-day Kona storm impacting the entire state. This ongoing flooding event follows devastating March floods and is driven by prolonged heavy rainfall, saturated ground conditions, and storm systems pulling moisture from the Pacific (1).
The most impacted areas include Oahu’s North Shore, particularly Waialua and surrounding communities near the Kaukonahua Stream, where debris removal and flood prevention efforts are underway. Additional risks extend across Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai due to statewide flood watches and continued rainfall (2).
Geographically, low-lying coastal regions, stream-adjacent communities, and previously flooded zones remain highly vulnerable, especially near waterways such as the Kaukonahua Stream and areas downstream of the Wahiawa Dam.
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
Several islands and regions of Hawaii were impacted by the flooding, including:
- Haleʻiwa
- Honolulu
- Kahului
- Kāne‘ohe
- Kauai (island-wide risk)
-
Kula
- Makaha Valley
- Mānoa
-
Mokuleia
- Puna District (Big Island)
-
Waialua
- Wahiawa
- Wai‘anae
Flooding impacts include road closures, water entering homes, overflowing streams, and localized flash flooding across multiple islands (3).
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
As of April 9, 2026, flooding is not fully contained, and conditions remain dynamic as additional rainfall continues across Hawaii. Emergency crews are actively working to mitigate risks by clearing streams, storm drains, and debris in flood-prone areas such as Waialua and Oahu’s North Shore.
Authorities report that while preventive measures are ongoing, saturated soil conditions significantly increase the likelihood of rapid flooding. Flash flood warnings and additional alerts are expected as storm bands persist through the week (4).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Flood watches are currently in effect for the entire state of Hawaii, with officials warning residents to be prepared for possible evacuations as conditions worsen.
Emergency shelters have been activated across Oahu as a precaution. Designated shelter locations include:
- Wai‘anae District Park
- Mānoa Valley District Park
- Kāne‘ohe District Park
- George Fred Wright Wahiawa District Park
Authorities advise residents to stay alert, avoid floodwaters, and follow official evacuation instructions if issued. Emergency response teams and Red Cross personnel are on standby to assist affected communities.
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
