Updated 1/28 9 am. Friends on Maui, the weather service, and others have been reporting flash flooding conditions yesterday and today. The weather service has had flash flood notices in effect on both days, with a warning again this morning. NWS will update Maui weather conditions to a flood watch later today. That will remain in effect through Sunday, not only for Maui but also Lanai. Travel by road has been dangerous, and several popular Maui attractions, including the Haleakala National park visitor center, have been shuttered. See Haleakala’s latest details below.
While conditions, according to National Weather Service, may be improving, this could continue over the weekend. Hawaii Emergency Management said, “An unstable weather pattern over Hawaii will bring the risk of hazardous weather from east to west across the state this weekend.” Honolulu is also set to see inclement and unpredictable weather this weekend, which could extend to Kauai.
Critically injured firefighter carried to ocean via a storm drain.
Sadly, a Maui firefighter was critically injured in the flooding while attempting to help clear Maui flood conditions. He was reportedly swept down a large storm drain in Kihei on Friday afternoon. The raging water carried the man some 800 yds to the ocean, where other firefighters could rescue him. He initially became unresponsive, was later resuscitated, and then transported for medical care.
Iconic Baldwin Beach Park, located near Paia closed.
Usually looking like the photo above, both yesterday and today, Baldwin Beach was closed due to the excessive rainfall and flooding.
Hawaii Beach Safety reported the following beaches were also impacted by flooding:
- D.T. Fleming Park
- Hanakaooo Park
- Kamaole 1
- Kamaole 2
- Kamaole 3
- Kanaha Beach Park
- Makena State Park
In Kihei, South Kihei Road was closed (N. Kihei to Waipuilani).
Other areas were also closed, including a portion of Piilani Highway in East Maui and parts of Maui County parks.
A National Weather Service flash flood warning for Maui was changed to a flood watch late Friday evening, with the possibility of more heavy rainfall forecast.
Weather issues hamper access to Mt. Haleakala National Park.
Updated: On Saturday morning the National Park Service said, “Haleakalā Visitor Center at 9,730 feet closed. All overlooks at the summit remain open. As of 1-28-23, 4:20 am all summit overlooks, parking lots, and trails at the summit are open but be advised of possible closures.” Visitors should continue to check the Haleakala National Park website over the weekend for the possibility of closure pending weather conditions before commencing travel.
The Kīpahulu coast area of Haleakala National Park, near Hana, remains open.
January’s monthly Fourth Friday Maui event at Kihei was also canceled Friday.
The festive happening takes place monthly from 6 pm to 9 pm and features live entertainment, food trucks/booths, and arts and crafts.
Updated 1/28/23.
Pray things clear up by end of February. Heading to Maui 2/24. Escaping snow in Western New York
I am one of those tourists on Maui finishing her stay during the very unstable weather. It sure would have been nice to be able to go snorkel and swim, but eating fresh papayas and poke on the lanai while watching the ocean being quite angry is interesting.
Board games day!
I guess I will need a re-do of my vacation 🙂
Wow! Not often I’m actually glad to be at home where it’s 0 degrees F.
My heart goes out to the thousands of hapless Hawaii tourists who remain cooped up in their hotels and condos due to the inclement weather. Room service and pizza deliveries will be bustling! Although booking an island getaway during the rainy season does have inherent risks, it cannot be easy to spend a vacation like that. And I’m eagerly anticipating reading in these comments how the new governor is responsible for the flooding, probably from people who themselves routinely escape the ice storms, snow-ins and power outages of their own mainland locales.
Not sure how a “New governor” can be responsible for current flooding. His response, yes. Flooding no. That’s Nature’s doing…
Can’t help but wonder if your Hawaiian storm will end up in Calif.
Aloha