Hawaii is in the grip of its worst flooding event in 20 years. A Kona Low — a slow-moving area of low pressure that pulls warm, moisture-rich Pacific air across the archipelago — has produced more than 10 inches of rainfall in some areas, with wind gusts up to 100mph.
The storms have triggered evacuations for more than 5,500 residents north of Honolulu. More than 230 people have been rescued from floodwaters so far. Authorities warned that a dam in Oahu — the state's most populous island — was at risk of collapse. Buildings and cars have been lifted by rising waters.
Governor Josh Green described it as "the largest flood that we've had in Hawaii in 20 years." He confirmed there have been no reported fatalities as of Friday, but said the storm would have "a serious consequence for us as a state" given damage to airports, schools, roads, and hospitals.
This is the second severe storm to hit Hawaii within a single week.
What Is a Kona Low?
A Kona Low is a type of upper-level low pressure system that forms near Hawaii, typically in winter and spring. Unlike typical Pacific storms that move in from the northwest, Kona Lows develop locally and move slowly, sometimes stalling over the islands for days. They pull warm, extremely humid air northward, producing intense, sustained rainfall.
Kona Lows are the primary driver of Hawaii's most destructive flooding events. The 1987 Kona storm caused over $100 million in damage in 2026 dollars. The 2006 Kona Low triggered widespread flooding across Oahu. Climate research indicates Kona Lows are becoming more intense as Pacific Ocean surface temperatures rise.
The Jones Act Connection
Hawaii's vulnerability to natural disasters is compounded by a fact covered in Ranked's earlier investigation: the Jones Act. Hawaii imports the vast majority of its goods — including construction materials, emergency equipment, and fuel — by sea. Because the Jones Act requires all such cargo to move on US-built, US-crewed vessels, shipping costs to Hawaii run 30-40% higher than mainland equivalents.
When disaster strikes, the same law that inflates everyday prices also inflates disaster recovery costs. Emergency supplies moving to Hawaii face the same Jones Act premium as routine cargo. Puerto Rico experienced this dynamic acutely after Hurricane Maria. Hawaii now faces a version of the same problem.
Hawaii's Disaster Pattern
This flooding follows the 2023 Lahaina wildfires, which killed more than 100 people and destroyed much of the historic town on Maui — the deadliest US wildfire in over a century. Hawaii has faced three major natural disasters in three years. The combination of geographic isolation, Jones Act shipping costs, and climate-intensified weather events creates a compounding vulnerability that mainland states don't face in the same way.
The storm is expected to continue producing heavy showers and thunderstorms through the coming week.
No fatalities reported as of Friday evening. That could change.