Flash Flood Warning Issued for Kauai as Heavy Rain Impacts Island

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Flash Flood Warning for the island of Kauai. This is an immediate-response alert based on radar indications of heavy rainfall and observed river rises.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the entire island of Kauai in Kauai County. Specific areas of concern include windward sections of the island and the Hanalei River. Officials report that the Hanalei River is rising rapidly, reaching levels that typically result in the closure of Kuhio Highway near the Hanalei River Bridge due to water over the roadway.

What You Should Do

Residents and visitors are urged to stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even if they are currently dry. Do not attempt to cross fast-flowing or rising water in your vehicle or on foot; remember the safety phrase: “Turn around, don’t drown.”

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. Additionally, the heavy rains may cause rock and mudslides in areas with steep terrain.

Expected Conditions

As of 2:50 AM HST, radar indicated heavy rain falling over windward sections of Kauai at a rate of 2 to 3 inches per hour. Flooding is expected in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties, and other low-lying areas. Public road closures are possible in some areas.

Timeline

The Flash Flood Warning is effective immediately and is currently set to expire at 6:00 AM HST on February 21, 2026.