A stretch of Queen Kaahumanu Highway at Henry Street in Kailua-Kona was closed Saturday after heavy rain left the roadway underwater, officials said. The shutdown snarled evening traffic on a key Kona corridor while crews checked water levels and any damage. Authorities warned drivers to expect detours while conditions remain hazardous.
Queen Kaahumanu Highway at Henry Street is closed due to flooding.
— Hawaii DOT (@DOTHawaii) Mar 14, 2026
DOT posts closure
According to Hawaii DOT, Queen Kaahumanu Highway at Henry Street was closed Saturday night because floodwaters made the road impassable. The agency said crews were monitoring the scene and responding as conditions allowed. Drivers were urged to avoid the area until waters recede.
Kona low prompts islandwide flood watch
The closure came as the National Weather Service placed large portions of the state, including Maui and the Big Island, under a Flood Watch through late Sunday night, warning that persistent bands of heavy rain could produce rapid runoff and ponding on roads. The watch from the National Weather Service Honolulu cautioned that "considerable flash flooding is possible" as a powerful Kona low draws deep tropical moisture across the islands. Local outlet Hawaii News Now has urged residents to prepare for prolonged heavy rain, flash flooding and travel disruptions.
Safety first: don't drive through floodwater
The National Weather Service urged vigilance, saying "You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued," and making clear that roadways can become dangerous quickly. Drivers are reminded never to attempt to drive through standing water, since even a few inches can disable a vehicle or sweep it off the road. Residents should rely on official channels and follow directions from local emergency officials before traveling.
Where to get updates
For current closure information and travel advisories, residents are encouraged to monitor the Hawaii DOT social feed and local emergency pages. The governor declared a state of emergency tied to the Kona low on March 9, activating state resources for response and recovery, according to the Office of the Governor.
