Between March 10-16, the state of Hawaii was hit with a historic storm — in some locales, more than 30 inches of rain fell in a short time frame.
According to the National Weather Service, weather stations across the state reported record amounts of daily rainfall, including in Honolulu, Oahu; Hilo, Hawaii; Lihue, Kauai; and Kahului, Maui. Substantial flooding occurred in places such as Haleiwa on Oahu’s North Shore and Molokai and Wailuku on Maui.
On March 28, Josh Green, governor of Hawaii, released a statement saying that, thanks to local (and ongoing) recovery efforts, shops and restaurants are now reopening in impacted destinations, and airports and most accommodations are operating as normal.
“Across Hawaii, we have seen an outpouring of love, support and aloha for the families and communities affected by these storms,” Green said. “As recovery continues, we want visitors to know that Hawaii continues to welcome them with open arms, and we encourage them to keep their travel plans. When people choose to visit, they support local jobs, local businesses and communities working hard to recover.”
Visitors are asked to respect any posted signs they see around recovery zones, and to be mindful of residents’ experiences. If travelers want to help in recovery efforts, the Hawaii Tourism Authority is keeping a list of opportunities online. Other updates and visitor guidance are on the same webpage.
Travel Advisors on Clients in Hawaii
Brittany Placek, a travel advisor with Those Who Wander Travel, had 13 clients on three different trips in Hawaii during the storm. One party, a couple, departed Maui right before storm-related complications started to occur. Another pair in Maui adjusted plans on the island, and added an extra day to their trip when their original return flight was canceled. Finally, a multigenerational family of nine, staying in a Rental Escapes villa in West Maui’s Napili, also rolled with what came their way.
“They dealt with electricity going in and out, but other than that, their accommodations were fine,” Placek said. “The rain did cancel their second luau of the trip, and then they had a sunset whale watching cruise canceled; I was able to work with Rental Escapes to get a private chef lined up for that night for them.”
Hawaii fulfills you in unimaginable ways, offering more than it takes. Even with the storms, the magic of Hawaii shines through, reminding you that no trip here can ever be a loss.
Placek kept in touch with her local Rental Escapes contact. That representative dropped off a generator in the garage for the villa, and worked with her clients to get their storm radio charged. Placek stayed connected with clients via email, text and phone calls, and she took advantage of her relationship with The Hawaii Concierge, which supports advisors with local bookings.
“With the amount of Hawaii travel that I have been planning and booking the past six months, I talk to my Hawaii Concierge contact, Iris Jarnesky, almost daily,” Placek said. “She lives in Maui, so I was checking in on my clients’ tours, but I was also checking in on her personally.”
After all three of the above trips came to a close, clients had only positive feedback.
One local Maui staffer said the island is incredibly green after the rains.
Credit: 2026 PhotoImage/stock.adobe.com“Hawaii fulfills you in unimaginable ways, offering more than it takes,” Placek said. “Even with the storms, the magic of Hawaii shines through, reminding you that no trip here can ever be a loss.”
Erin Carson, a travel advisor with Travelmation, was in Kapalua, Maui, with her children during part of the storm system. When the sun did peek out, they enjoyed time at the beach, and when it was raining, they shopped, played games and even boogie boarded on a wet slope of lawn.
Carson also has a client with children visiting Maui and Kona currently, and they are sending back positive reports of their travels.
“I always say that if you care about being a good tourist (respectful of the land, people and culture), then you will be a good tourist,” she said. “[This client] cares very much, is thoughtful about the difficulties people are going through and is happy to help keep the economy afloat by enjoying all the things that the islands have to offer. If people feel so inclined, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities available, and I encourage them to go and help."
The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay, located on the North Shore, is fully operational, and staffers are eager to help guests experience the best of Hawaii.
Credit: 2026 Brandon Verdura/The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay
Hotel Check-Ins
Doug Chang, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay on the North Shore, reports that the hotel sustained no damage, and that nearby attractions — from the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie to Kahuku Farms — are up and running. Roads to and from the North Shore are open.
“Our hearts remain with our neighbors in the residential area of Waialua and Mokuleia who are navigating the final stages of cleanup,” Chang said. “We are proud to stand with them as the North Shore returns to its vibrant self."
Travelers should feel confident in their plans.
On the other side of Oahu, Regan Rosdil, director of sales and marketing for The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach, reports that minor street flooding has receded and that the hotel and all of its surrounding culinary, retail and entertainment options are welcoming visitors. After the storm, the hotel staff have increased their participation in The Pantry by Feeding Hawaii Together, which works to address food insecurity on the island. Hotel guests are invited to participate in these volunteer efforts through its Community Days program.
On the West Coast of Maui, Aulani Kealoha, director of leisure sales for The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, is seeing the post-storm silver lining: Maui’s landscape is a vibrant green right now. And, with the road to the airport clear and the hotel fully open, Kealoha encourages travelers to stick to their island visits. She also noted that team members impacted by the storm are being supported via the Marriott TakeCare Relief Fund.
“Travelers should feel confident in their plans,” Kealoha said. “Maui, and especially Kapalua, is welcoming guests with open arms. While a small number of activities may be temporarily paused in the coming weeks for safety, they are expected to reopen shortly, ensuring the best experience for both guests and the island.”
