UPDATE: Residents, visitors should stay informed on local conditions as second kona low hits the state

Update at 2:45 p.m. March 20: While trips may be impacted for visitors due to the second kona low storm, there is no reason to cancel travel, according to the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority.

Wind conditions are less severe and heavy rain is expected to peak today through Saturday, March 21 with the heaviest rain focused on Oʻahu and Maui. Hawaiʻi Island can expect the heaviest rainfall on Sunday, March 22.

On Hawaiʻi Island, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has partially reopened, with access restored to the Kīlauea summit area and Chain of Craters Road. Work continues to clear and repair remaining areas impacted by last week’s storm and the recent eruption. 

Travelers with upcoming plans to Hawaiʻi should stay informed of local conditions. For island-specific weather conditions and closures, visit the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority website. For the latest weather updates, visit the National Weather Service website.

Guidance for Travelers Currently in Hawaiʻi 

• Flash flooding is possible even during moderate rainfall due to saturated grounds. Never drive through flowing or rising water, including streams and drainage ditches that may appear dry.;
• Travelers should wait 48–72 hours after rain stops before swimming, particularly where ocean water appears brown or murky;
• There are no weather-related closures of airport facilities. Allow extra time at the airport — at least 3 hours for transpacific flights and 90 minutes for interisland;
• Some state parks and facilities remain temporarily closed while safety assessments and cleanup continue. Visit the Department of Land and Natural Resources website for the latest reopening information. 

Conditions are expected to improve early next week.

Original story at 11:30 a.m. March 20: Yesterday and overnight, the power was restored to about 560 customers in Hawaiian Acres, Mountain View, Nanawale, and Volcano.

About 100 customers who were impacted by the storm remain without power. Today, crews are working to restore power in Wood Valley, Kapoho and various pockets around the island. 

Customers who still are without power are asked to call the Hawai‘i Island Trouble Line 1-855-304-9191 or report online.

The County of Hawaiʻi Civil Defense Agency will be in Volcano this afternoon to provide information to residents affected by tephra fall or the recent storm.

Civil Defense will offer details regarding recovery for residents at the Cooper Center from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. today, March 20.

The county has also urged residents to prepare for potential impacts from another Kona low storm. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Hawaiʻi Island through Sunday.

Due to the flood watch, residents in flood-prone areas should take this time to prepare for possible heavy rain and potential flooding.

Sign up for county-wide alerts on the Civil Defense website.