CIRA Satellite Library

While the late-fall to early-spring months are the best time of year for Kona low storms in Hawai’i, having two Kona low storms occur within days of each other is unusually rare. In March 2026, one such event unfolded, resulting in the largest flooding in 20 years on Oahu.

On March 10, 2026, the first Kona low storm impacted Hawai’i and lasted for several days. Consistent rounds of heavy rainfall lead to multiple inches of precipitation falling across the state, with rainfall totals exceeding at least 12 inches (30 cm) on each of the islands. Along with the rain, the Kona low storm also brought hurricane-force winds and winter storm conditions to the summits of the Big Island’s volcanoes.

Less than a week later, a second Kona low approached Hawai’i. While it did not linger as long or was as powerful as the previous storm, the precipitation it did bring exacerbated the effects of an already saturated environment. Widespread flooding occurred across the state, leading to infrastructure damage and landslides. Oahu, the island where Honolulu is located, experienced its worst flooding event in 20 years, leading to thousands being evacuated as an over century-old dam was at risk of failing.

The pair of Kona low storms resulted in at least $1 billion in damages across Hawai’i. For the island of Maui, they experienced their wettest month on record due to these storms.

For more information, visit the National Weather Service. For information on rainfalls totals in Hawai’i from the Kona low storms, visit the CoCoRaHS website.