MAUI (HawaiiNewsNow) – Maui County officials say the island remains in the middle of a powerful Kona storm bringing widespread flooding, road closures and damage across the county, including Molokai and Lanai.
According to the National Weather Service, some areas have received more than 20 inches of rain, including Kula, and wind gusts over 70 mph were recorded in Kaunakakai. Severe weather is expected to continue through Sunday.
Compilation of photos and video showing damage across Maui after the Kona storm, including flooding, debris, downed trees, and impacted roads.
Major roadways inundated
Maui County Civil Defense Administrator Kono Davis said heavy rain and flooding have affected major roadways across Maui County.
“Over the past day and a half, Maui has been experiencing a lot of rain and wind inundation across the entire county, including Molokai and Lanai,” Davis said. “A lot of the major thoroughfares or critical infrastructure roadways have been inundated or blocked.”
Officials said flooding, landslides, sinkholes and downed power lines have forced widespread road closures.
Emergency crews conducted floodwater rescues overnight in South Maui, and officials said dozens of people were cut off in Hana due to road washouts. Those residents later made it to a shelter, officials said.
Maui Emergency Management and Maui police urged residents and visitors to stay off the roads unless travel is essential.
Watch our full interview with the county’s Civil Defense Administrator, Kono Davis, here:
Maui Council Civil Defense Administrator Kono Davis discussed widespread storm impacts, blocked roads, and the push to reopen key routes for emergency access.
Bus service suspended
The county’s Department of Transportation has suspended Maui Bus service until further notice due to hazardous road conditions from the storm.
Officials said Maui Bus was also forced to end operations early on Friday night due to weather impacts.
Schedule information for all county buses is available online here.
Shelters open countywide
More than 100 people are currently utilizing shelters across Maui County, officials said.
The shelters provide cots, food and water, and are operated by the Maui Emergency Management (MEMA) and the American Red Cross.
People are advised to bring their own bedding, essential supplies and medications. Pets are permitted if they are in crates.
Shelter locations:
- LANAI: Lanai High & Elementary School Gym, 555 Fraser Ave., Lanai City
- EAST MAUI: Hana High School Cafeteria, 4111 Hana Highway, Hana
- CENTRAL MAUI: Maui High School Gym, 660 Lono Ave., Kahului
- MOLOKAI: Kaunakakai Gym, 180 Ala Malama Ave., Kaunakakai
- WEST MAUI: Lahaina Civic Center, 1840 Honoapiilani Highway, Lahaina
- SOUTH MAUI: South Maui Community Park Gym, 1501 Liloa Drive, Kihei
View a list of statewide shelters here.
Officials strongly advised the public not to drive through pooling or moving water.
Roadways remain hazardous due to debris, flooding and limited turnaround space, officials said.
MEMA said Hana Highway into East Maui is currently inaccessible due to multiple blockages.
Officials said South Kihei Road is closed north of Waipuilani, and North Kihei Road is also closed.
Haleakala National Park’s summit and Kipahulu districts are closed, according to the National Park Service.
Officials reminded drivers to treat any traffic light that is out or malfunctioning as a four-way stop.
For updates on County of Maui road closures, officials said the public can visit mauicounty.gov/roadclosures or download the Genasys Protect app.
Send us your weather photos and videos here.
Rushing water made Liloa Drive in South Kihei impassable. Heavy rain and flooding have affected major roads across Maui County.
The Department of Water Supply advised residents and visitors to conserve water due to safety concerns tied to potential power and electronic system disruptions. Officials asked people to limit nonessential water use until conditions improve.
Mayor Richard Bissen signed an emergency proclamation on March 10 allowing the county to access state and federal assistance and streamline procedures to deploy resources.
MEMA said residents and businesses impacted by the storm can submit damage reports online at crisistrack.juvare.com/public/mauiHI/request.html.
Davis said crews are working to clear roads and restore access for emergency services.
“Our top priorities today are to open up those transportation arteries,” Davis said. “So our service workers and our emergency services can get to the places where we need to work.”
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