Major storm hits Hawaii with damaging winds and extreme rainfall, causing widespread power outages
A powerful storm system impacted Hawaii between February 8 and 10, 2026, producing heavy rainfall, flash flooding, landslides, and damaging winds. Wind gusts frequently exceeded 95 km/h (60 mph), with localized gusts approaching 115 km/h (70 mph), leading to road closures, including along Maui’s Hāna Highway, downed trees, and intermittent power outages affecting tens of thousands of customers on Oʻahu, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.
Power restoration work after strong storm hit Hawaii on February 7 and 8, 2026. Credit: Hawaiian Electric
Strong winds between 80–113 km/h (50–70 mph) were recorded across the state in 48 hours to 15:12 HST on February 9, as a low-pressure system slammed the southern part of Hawaii while a high-pressure system in the north squeezed the pressure gradient, resulting in the severe weather conditions.
Mokolelau in Maui County recorded a gust of 117 km/h (73 mph) at 10:25 HST on February 8, the highest wind gust during the period. Meanwhile, Olowalu recorded the second-highest gust of 116 km/h (72 mph) at 07:47 HST on February 9, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
In 24 hours to 19:44 HST on February 8, Laupahoehoe in Hawaii County recorded the highest rainfall total at 410.5 mm (16.16 inches), followed by Honokaa with 252.5 mm (9.94 inches).
In 72 hours, Luapahoehoe recorded 771.14 mm (30.36 inches), Waikamou 589.79 mm (23.22 inches), Hanokoa 483.36 mm (19.03 inches), and Kawainui 442.47 mm (17.42 inches) of rainfall.
A statewide State of Emergency was declared on February 6 ahead of the storm and will expire on February 11, unless damage assessments necessitate an extension.
The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation reported that at least 53 trees were downed across the county, including an 18.3 m (60 feet) high Kiawe tree that fell on Kahauiki Street in Kalihi on February 8.
Thousands of power outages were reported as the storm downed power lines across the island, while the Army Garrison Hawaii canceled nonessential activities on installations for February 9.
“Hundreds of our employees and contractors have restored power across Oahu, Maui County and Hawaii Island to more than 27 300 customers since last night and more than 114 000 customers since February 7. Crews continue to work into the night to restore power to approximately 900 more customers across our service territories,” said the Hawaiian Electric Company on February 9.
Meanwhile, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) reported a landslide that blocked both lanes on the Hana Highway between Kaumahina State Wayside Park and the Keanae Peninsula.
On February 9, Governor Josh Green announced that most state offices, agencies, and services that were closed for severe weather will reopen for regular service to the public on Tuesday, February 11, with some exceptions, like the state Supreme Court, which will operate at partial capacity after the weather toppled a large banyan tree.
“Reopening will be public schools, public charter schools, the University of Hawaiʻi, Executive Branch departments, the Hawai‘i State Legislature and most of the Judiciary. The Judiciary will send out its own detailed guidance,” Green said.
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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