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Two back-to-back Kona storms have left Hawaii reeling, and the recovery timeline for some of the state’s most important roads and beaches is shaping up to be far longer than officials have publicly acknowledged. If you have a Hawaii trip planned in the coming weeks or months, this is essential reading.
Current Conditions Across the Islands
As of March 23, 2026, conditions remain challenging across multiple islands:
- Maui was under a Flood Advisory with heavy rain falling at 1 to 2 inches per hour over windward locations.
- Big Island was under a Flood Watch as unstable moisture from the departing Kona low continued to bring isolated thunderstorms and additional heavy rain.
- Brown water advisories are in effect statewide across Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Kona coast.
- On Oahu, wastewater spills were confirmed at facilities serving the Kailua and Kaneohe areas, and the ocean safety chief advised all beachgoers to stay out of the water for at least 72 hours.
Key Road Closures & Restrictions
Some of Hawaii’s most popular scenic drives and attractions remain closed or restricted:
- Hana Highway (Maui) — The road to Hana could take at least a week to clear for non-essential traffic, and that assumes the weather cooperates. Check our Hana Highway closures page for the latest status.
- Haleakala (Maui) — Access has been impacted and travelers should verify conditions before planning a summit visit.
- Oahu’s North Shore — Roads have been affected and should not be assumed to be operating normally.
- Waiʻānapanapa State Park (Maui) — Closed until at least March 30, with no power restored yet.
The Gap Between Messaging and Reality
One of the more concerning aspects of this situation is the disconnect between official messaging and on-the-ground conditions. The state has said there is no reason to cancel trips, even as hotels have been used to house evacuees and key roads remain restricted.
While we understand the importance of tourism to Hawaii’s economy, travelers deserve accurate information so they can plan accordingly and set realistic expectations.
What Travelers Should Do Right Now
If you have a trip to Hawaii coming up, here’s our advice:
- Check road conditions daily. Visit the Hawaii Department of Transportation and county road closure pages before you head out each day. Conditions are shifting as repairs progress, and a road expected to reopen in a week can slip if more damage is uncovered.
- Build flexibility into your itinerary. Don’t plan a trip that hinges on a single route or attraction being open. Have backup plans ready.
- Respect brown water advisories. Stay out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after heavy rainfall. This is a serious health concern, not a suggestion. Review our ocean safety tips for more guidance.
- Don’t cancel — but do adjust. Hawaii is still a wonderful destination, but the trip you planned may need to look a little different right now. Flexibility is key.
Looking Ahead
The full scope of recovery from these storms is still being assessed. Infrastructure repairs, beach restoration, and road clearing will take time — likely longer than initial estimates suggest. We’ll continue to update this page and our island-specific guides as conditions change.
Source: Beat of Hawaii — March 23, 2026
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