Haleʻiwa moving forward after the storm

Haleʻiwa, the historic town on O‘ahu’s North Shore beloved worldwide, is moving forward following the recent kona lows that brought catastrophic flooding to parts of the state.

The community — like its neighbors — felt the effects of floodwaters as the recent storms brought record rainfall in a matter of days.

Now, it marks a milestone toward recovery — shops and restaurants are reopen and visitors are welcome back.

Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green said the recovery is marked by care for one another throughout the islands and encouraged visitors to keep their travel plans to Hawaiʻi.

All of the state’s airports and most accommodations, restaurants and visitor attractions are operating as usual.

“Across Hawaiʻi, we have seen an outpouring of love, support and aloha for the families and communities affected by these storms,” said Green in a state release. “That care for one another is one of the things that makes Hawaiʻi so special.”

He added that as recovery continues, visitors need to know that the islands continue to welcome them with open arms.

“We encourage them to keep their travel plans,” Green said. “When people choose to visit, they support local jobs, local businesses and communities working hard to recover.”

Oʻahu state Rep. Sean Quinlan, who represents the North Shore, said the community’s resilience is more than evident during the recovery.

“The North Shore is a resilient community, and the people of Haleʻiwa have shown that strength every single day throughout this recovery,” said Quinlan in the state release. “Our businesses are reopening, our community is coming together and we welcome visitors to be part of that experience — whether that means volunteering, shopping local or stopping in to support a small business.”

He said the North Shore community is grateful for the care and generosity people have shown — that support continues to make a real difference.

Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Interim President and Chief Executive Officer Caroline Anderson said the moment calls for visitors to choose Hawai‘i with intention.

Hale‘iwa’s reopening gives them every reason to do so.

As visitors make their way back to the North Shore, Anderson said, they will once again be able to experience the town, its businesses and the spirit that makes the community so special.

“Many of these businesses are family-run, deeply rooted in the community and counting on visitor support right now,” she said in the state release. “Choosing to visit is one of the most meaningful things people can do to help these communities recover.”

However, while progress is underway, recovery continues in other locations.

Residential areas of Waialua and Mokulē‘ia continue to get back up on their feet, and visitors are asked to respect posted signage and be mindful of what residents in those communities are experiencing.

Volunteer opportunities for those who want to be part of the recovery in a more direct way are available through community organizations supporting North Shore efforts.

Visit the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority website for more information plus the latest visitor guidance, conditions, volunteer opportunities and updates.