Heavy bands of rain and thunderstorms pounded West Maui on Saturday, prompting the National Weather Service in Honolulu to issue a flash flood warning for the entire island that is in effect through 3 p.m. HST. Emergency management officials reported flooding and at least one road closure in Lahaina as radar picked up intense cells dumping an estimated one to three inches of rain per hour. Forecasters cautioned that streams could rise quickly, even in spots not getting the worst of the rain, and urged people to steer clear of low-lying roads and drainage channels.
The warning bulletin, posted at 11:57 a.m. HST, bluntly stated, "Streams will rise rapidly across West Maui, including in areas not experiencing heavy rain," and listed multiple communities in the potential impact zone. According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, radar-indicated rain rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour were showing up in some of the heaviest bands, and the product warned that the alert could be extended if flooding continues. The bulletin also referenced emergency reports of flooding and closures in parts of Lahaina.
The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency boosted the warning on X and reminded followers that its social media channels are not staffed around the clock, telling people to call 9-1-1 for anything urgent. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency post echoed the NWS language about rapidly rising streams and noted that heavy rain was expected to spread into additional areas of Maui as the afternoon wears on.
This latest warning is part of a broader kona-low system that has already delivered significant flooding in parts of Hawaii earlier in the week, with rescues and evacuation advisories reported on other islands and officials warning that saturated ground raises the risk of more damage, according to the Associated Press. State and county crews have been monitoring reservoirs, clearing clogged drains and gearing up for additional rounds of heavy rain.
Where flooding is most likely
The NWS product singled out Kahului, Kihei, Lahaina, Waikapu, Maalaea, Wailuku, Paia and several Upcountry areas among the locations most likely to see flash flooding. The bulletin highlighted West Maui as the current bullseye for the strongest downpours and repeated that streams and low-water crossings can rise very fast. People were urged to stay away from drainage ditches and culverts, the National Weather Service in Honolulu said.
What residents and visitors should do
Officials are advising anyone in threatened areas to move to higher ground, avoid driving through standing or flowing water and follow all local road-closure and evacuation instructions. Anyone needing immediate assistance should call 9-1-1. For ongoing information, people are encouraged to check official advisories from the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and county channels for updates on shelters and road conditions. Travelers should plan on potential delays while crews clear water and debris, and are urged to confirm plans with airlines, ferry operators or accommodation providers before heading out.
