A flooded taxiway at Kawaihapai (Dillingham) Airfield on Oʻahu’s North Shore prompted a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) early Friday afternoon, briefly putting a damper on local general aviation plans.
The advisory was posted at about 12:40 p.m. HST on April 10, 2026, and warns pilots to steer clear of the affected taxiway until airport staff can inspect the surface and give the all clear. Until then, operations at the North Shore field may be pinched while officials sort out where it is actually safe to roll.
Oahu #hiwx #aprilstorm As of 12:40PM 4/10/2026, a notice to airmen (NOTAM) was issued for Kawaihapai (Dillingham) Airfield due to a flooded taxiway.
— Hawaiʻi DOT (@DOTHawaii) April 10, 2026
DOT Posts NOTAM After Taxiway Goes Underwater
According to Hawaiʻi DOT, the NOTAM went out because one of Kawaihapai’s taxiways flooded during an ongoing April storm. The agency tagged the update with #hiwx and #aprilstorm, tying the airfield issue to the larger system drenching the islands.
Pilots and operators were urged to check official advisories before planning flights into or out of HDH, since the waterlogged pavement could affect how and whether aircraft can safely move on the ground.
Storm-Soaked Islands Set The Stage
The airfield alert landed on top of a Flood Watch and multiple flood advisories that remained in effect across the state, the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency reported.
State pages carry National Weather Service warnings that heavy, localized downpours can create standing water and limit safe ground operations at low-lying airfields. With soils already saturated from earlier storms, even brief but intense showers have been enough to cause ponding on roads and airport surfaces.
What Pilots And Operators Should Do
Pilots planning operations at Kawaihapai should consult official NOTAM services and coordinate with Honolulu air traffic control, the AirNav listing for HDH advises. The field is a joint military-civil airport with no control tower and frequent parachute and glider activity, which means everyone has to be on the same page when unusual conditions pop up.
The AirNav entry explicitly notes “CHECK NOTAMS PRIOR TO USE” and directs users to the FAA PilotWeb NOTAM system for the latest closures and restrictions. Until the NOTAM is cancelled and airport authorities verify that the surface is safe, flight crews are expected to treat any taxiway with standing water as off-limits.
About Kawaihapai And Local Impacts
Kawaihapai, often still called Dillingham Field, is used by military training and a range of civilian operations, including gliders and skydiving companies, according to the State Airports Division.
The North Shore has been among the areas hardest hit by the recent downpours, and crews have already been dealing with road closures and localized flooding in nearby communities. Residents, businesses and pilots are being urged to follow official advisories and to avoid driving or walking into standing water while recovery teams continue to monitor conditions.
For the latest operational status, check the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency April Severe Weather page and the FAA PilotWeb NOTAM search for updated closures and advisories. This story will be updated if the NOTAM is rescinded or if airport officials release further details.
