March 23rd advisory from the Hawaii VCB: Weather conditions are beginning to improve on Kauai and Oahu, while flood advisories remain in effect for Oahu and Maui and a flash flood warning for Hawaii Island. Visitors with upcoming travel should not cancel their trips and monitor conditions and confirm plans directly with their providers.
Hawaii is experiencing the second Kona Low storm in as many weeks, bringing significant rainfall and flooding, but the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau (VCB) on Saturday, March 21, advised that “there is no reason to cancel or postpone upcoming travel to Hawaii.”
In its travel advisory, the Hawaii VCB states: “…Hawaii Island can expect its heaviest rainfall on Sunday, March 22. Winds are less of a concern with this system; however, because grounds remain saturated from last week’s storm, the risk of flash flooding is elevated.”
Much of Hawaii remains under a flood watch through the evening of March 22—including Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and the Big Island—after what authorities say is the state’s worst flooding in two decades.
The VCB notes that visitors should avoid the North Shore and all areas north of a line from Waianae Valley to Mililani Mauka to Waiāhole until further notice. Additionally, on Maui, access in East Maui remains limited to local traffic, while the Road to Hāna is not currently accessible to visitors—travelers should not include this route in their itinerary until Maui County confirms full reopening. Both districts of Haleakalā National Park remain closed until further notice due to road repairs. Travel advisors and visitors can monitor the Maui County Road Closure Notifications page for updates.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has partially reopened, with access restored to the Kīlauea summit area and Chain of Craters Road. Work continues to clear and repair remaining areas impacted by last week’s storm and the recent eruption.
Those visitors currently in Hawaii should remain on alert as, according to the VCB, “flash flooding is possible even during moderate rainfall due to saturated grounds.” And, they add, “travelers should wait 48–72 hours after rain stops before swimming, particularly where ocean water appears brown or murky.”
The good news is that there are no weather-related closures of airport facilities, but the VCB is advising that travelers should allow extra time at the airport—at least three hours for transpacific flights and 90 minutes for interisland.
For those headed to Hawaii, the VCB is saying that the “state remains safe and welcoming, and conditions are expected to improve early next week. Travelers are encouraged to: ensure their airline has a current mobile number on file and enable app and SMS notifications; and confirm flight status directly with their airline before departing for the airport. Airlines are the best source of real-time information on delays and changes.”
