Top headlines from across Hawaiʻi

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Statewide

A broad storm pattern is driving most of the immediate attention across the islands, with disaster declaration approval now in place as flooding, heavy rain, and unstable surf continue to affect travel, school schedules, and public safety planning. Forecasters and county officials are still warning that more rain could trigger flash flooding while stream and surf conditions remain hazardous, especially on south-facing shores. On the Big Island, the weather is easing in some spots but remains active enough to keep volcano watchers and emergency managers alert, while Kauaʻi is dealing with flood advisories, brown water concerns, and road cleanup. Beyond the weather, there are signs of recovery and cultural continuity: Lahaina businesses are reopening, recovery groups are helping families move home, and Merrie Monarch coverage is honoring hula leaders and the festival’s next chapter through MauiNow.com and BigIslandNow.com.

Maui

Maui’s biggest immediate issue remains the storm, with schools reopening under close monitoring, a weather forecast calling for heavy showers and thunderstorms, and officials urging people to watch stream conditions in real time as another system moves through. At the same time, Lahaina’s recovery continues to show up in local business and housing efforts, from Lahaina Jewelry’s grand reopening at a new location to Hoʻōla LTRG’s House to Home Program aimed at helping families return. Community support is also filling gaps for storm-impacted residents, including the Maui visitor industry’s donation drive.

Big Island

The Big Island is still working through the effects of the storm system, even as some alerts ease, with the Presidential Disaster Declaration approval providing added federal support and weather updates showing the high surf advisory canceled in some areas. Forecasters say the broader active weather pattern is not done yet, and county updates still note lingering rain impacts and response work after earlier flash flood warnings and sandbag needs. Alongside the weather, the island is in the middle of Merrie Monarch week, with Hoʻike celebrations and a Talk Story broadcast honoring the late Kumu Hula Leināʻala Pavao Jardin underscoring the festival’s cultural weight. Kīlauea remains on the radar too, with Episode 44 expected before April 15.

Kauaʻi

Kauaʻi is facing one of the more active weather stretches in the state, with a flood advisory in effect and forecasters warning that it will not take much rain to cause flash flooding. The county is also dealing with brown water advisories and a flood watch, while crews prepare to clear surf-carried debris from Pūʻōlo Road. Alongside the weather response, Kauaʻi is also joining the broader Merrie Monarch remembrance with a Talk Story broadcast honoring Kumu Hula Leināʻala Pavao Jardin and participating in UH Giving Day.

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