Earlier this month, a set of low-pressure weather systems known as the kona low hit the Hawaiian islands. The not-uncommon weather phenomenon turned catastrophic on March 11, as back-to-back storms and record-breaking rain led to more than 30 inches of rainfall in some areas.
Communities on the islands of Oahu, Maui, and Molokai experienced the worst of these floods: By March 20, floodwaters had risen up above residences’ knees, with rain continuing until March 24.
More than 200 rescues were made on Oahu by local authorities, as well as by residents who swam out or used surfboards and kayaks to help others. On Oahu, a combined 304 homes were either destroyed, damaged, or made inaccessible, per a March 28 statement from Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. According to a release from Governor Josh Green, total damage is expected to exceed $1 billion.
As Hawaii state locals focus on recovery, travelers with upcoming trips to the islands are wondering what to do: Is it best to cancel or continue with scheduled plans following such a tragedy? The answer is complicated, as small business owners say they need tourism dollars more than ever—but impacted communities also ask that potential visitors be mindful when they arrive, and navigate their trip with aloha in its purest sense. And of course, some areas remain off limits.
Here’s what to know.
Areas that remain impacted by the floods
On Oahu, the worst flooding was seen in the North Shore community of Waialua, Mokuleia and Manoa, and the Waianae coast. On Maui, the communities of Lahaina, Kahului, Kula, and Kihei were among the most impacted.
Currently, recovery efforts are underway in Waialua, Waianae, Manoa, Lahaina, Kihei, and areas along Kamehameha V Highway in Molokai. Roads are open on both Maui and Oahu except for Farrington Highway in Waialua between Otake Store and the intersection of Farrington Highway and Kaukonahua Road from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. until April 3.
Most of the island is accessible but traffic may be worse than usual in the impacted areas. All state airports are open.
“We are encouraging visitors to observe restricted areas and respect all posted signage, especially on O‘ahu in Waialua, Mokulēʻia, and parts of Haleʻiwa. Road conditions vary across the islands, and the ground remains saturated in many places,” Caroline Anderson, interim president and chief executive officer of Hawai‘i Tourism Authority told Condé Nast Traveler in an email March 26. “Visitors interested in land excursions, particularly the Road to Hāna, are encouraged to book with experienced tour providers who prioritize safety and are familiar with the area, paths and terrain.”
The Hawaii Tourism Authority said many businesses are resuming operations as usual, urging visitors to be cognizant of signage in areas like Mokuleia and Waialua.
As it stands, brown water advisories are still active on all of Oahu and Maui, meaning visitors and residents are not recommended to enter the ocean at this time.
Visitors can sign up for the Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) alert system for on-the-ground updates at mauicounty.gov.
Mindful tourism in the wake of the floods
While some travelers may feel hesitant about visiting Hawaii following the flooding, “people forget the fact that a lot of people in our community are employed through hospitality or through other areas that require tourism, and those people are hurting too,” says Kanani Oury, owner of Nani’s Cafe in Waialua.
Oury cautions visitors to Haleiwa exercise patience and understanding as many may have lost their homes or are experiencing intense financial strain and trauma. Visitors should avoid unnecessary travel to areas undergoing cleanup efforts, such as Waialua, as it could impede progress. “Don’t stop the road or the traffic or don’t show up if you’re not planning on picking up a shovel,” she says.
