Heavy Rain Swells Kauai Rivers, Officials Urge Continued Vigilance

A March 2026 Kona low pushed river and stream levels across Kauai to dangerous heights on March 13 and 14, sending first responders to the Wailua River overnight and prompting Kauai County officials and the National Weather Service to warn residents to remain vigilant through the weekend.

First responders were closely monitoring the Wailua River after levels rose overnight, according to a county press release. Water also climbed near Kuhio Highway at the Hanalei Bridge, and officials warned that stretch of road could close with little or no advance notice, particularly if a Flash Flood Warning was issued.

The threat extended beyond flooding. Forecasters warned that repeated bands of showers and thunderstorms were expected, with some storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts of 50 to 70 mph. The strongest winds were forecast along north- and east-facing mountain areas, where they could bring down trees, block roadways, and knock out power. Unsettled wet weather and southwest winds were expected to persist into early next week before the storm system lifted north of the islands and conditions gradually improved.

The effects of the Kona low were visible at Nawiliwili Harbor, where runoff from the Huleia Stream turned the surrounding harbor waters brown. The Department of Health Clean Water Branch responded by issuing a Brown Water Advisory for the island of Kauai. The Hawaii State Department of Health advised beach users to stay out of waters that appear brown or murky, especially following storms or heavy rain.

County officials acknowledged the brief sunbreaks that appeared Friday even as they issued their warnings. The deceptive clearing did not signal the storm's end; the county explicitly urged the public to continue vigilance through the weekend due to severe weather conditions.