Last updated on September 20th, 2016 at 05:47 pm
Hawaii has been fortunate the past few years. Many tropical storms and hurricanes have come barreling towards the state, though none have hit directly. Despite this luck, the state hasn’t escaped unscathed. Over the past month, we’ve seen very wet weather. This week especially, the weather has been especially bad. The hardest hit island, ironically, has been Maui. This September 2016 Maui storm damage, then, is something to be aware of if you’re visiting soon.
Thanks to the torrential rains, Maui has become saturated. This ground saturation causes the land to soften, and also causes flash flooding. It was a combination of these both that caused the parking lot at Kepaniwai Park to collapse into the swollen Iao Stream. In fact, the Iao Stream swelled so much, it flooded nearly the entire valley. Needless to say, the popular Kepaniwai Park is now closed until further notice. It isn’t the only park closed, though. Around Maui, the following parks are also closed:
- Iao Park (home of the iconic Iao Needle)
- Baldwin Park
- Keanae Park
No word on when either of the parks will re-open or how severe the damage is. The damage is the worst at Kepaniwai Park, though. Many beaches are also closed thanks to brown water advisories. These conditions are dangerous due to contamination in the water and the fact that these murky waters attract sharks.
These closures are concerning only county parks. If you will be visiting the island, check with the places you will be visiting regarding availability. Also, while the hardest hit, Maui certainly isn’t the only island affected. Oahu and the Big Island have seen some pretty significant rains, so some businesses may not be available. Hiking trails on all 3 islands will likely remain VERY muddy over the next week or so. Further, more rain is in the forecast today, with another mass of tropical moisture approaching. And remember, hurricane season doesn’t end until November 30. So be sure to watch the weather, plan accordingly, and make important charges on a card with travel interruption/cancellation insurance.
Thanks for the post. I’m heading to Maui in November and was wondering if the storms did any major damage. We are spending 6 nights at the Hyatt residences then 2 nights next door at the Hyatt Regency using Diamond Suite upgrades.
Any idea how good the Barclays travel insurance is? I used that to pay for basically everything and nice to know I’ll be protected incase of a storm repeat.
Shaun, that sounds like a fantastic trip! Despite the devastation affecting Maui, the island will recover by November, barring any further storms/issues. The one area that may not recover by then, especially Kepaniwai Park. The damage to the parking lot there was so severe, there likely won’t even be estimated time for a while now. That being said, I haven’t heard too much about other attractions suffering any damage and the Kaanapali resort seems to have emerged relatively unscathed. I think you guys will enjoy your Hyatt stay, and lucky you the hotel has a Ululani Shave Ice on-site!
As far as Barclays travel insurance goes, I’m not too sure. The only card I have with them is the HawaiianMiles World Elite MC. The trip cancellation/interruption insurance on that card covers just $1,500, and doesn’t seem to cover weather related issues. It does, however, provide baggage delay coverage of $100/day, for up to 3 days. But… I’m sure you’ll be fine!! Most travel companies in Hawaii are very accommodating/understanding during severe weather events.
I drive from Paia to Ka’anapali for work every day and Honoapiilani is a mess, road covered with now dried mud. There are still lots of standing water on the sides, wayside parks are still flooded, including mostly submerged vehicles at Papalaua. Also, the popular fruit stand area beside Leoda’s in Olowalu has about a foot of mud on top of the parking area now, so no idea when that will be cleaned up. :-(
Eric, that’s some drive you make every day! I’m sorry to hear that Honoapiilani Hwy is a mess… You guys got pummeled and aren’t getting a break. Hoping the weather clears up for the Valley Isle soon so that the cleanup and recovery may begin. That family isolated near Lahaina and all the damaged homes in Iao Valley is particularly disconcerting. Mahalo for the update and best wishes to all of you.