Kauai flood warning: Hanalei refuge area offers a safe place to shelter but no food, water or medical care; what residents need to know to take

Hale Halawai Community-Based Refuge area stayed open all night long as Kauaʻi coped with the aftermath of heavy rainfall that led to a flash flood warning issued for October 31. Even though the National Weather Service has allowed the warning to expire on Saturday evening, there still remain worries about flooding due to rising rivers, flooded roads and the availability of safe places. In case of flooding for residents of flood-prone areas, having a refuge area provides additional options for staying safe.

The refuge area itself does not provide much in terms of supplies, and people have to carry their own drinking water, food, medication, and any other necessities they might have.

Residents have been asked to check whether roads are flooded before going out, as there were still roads affected by floods.


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According to Hawaii News Now and Kauaʻi Now, heavy rains led to rapid increases in river water levels and Kūhiō Highway's closure near the Hanalei Bridge.

Despite the fact that the warning has expired, it is still recommended to be careful since floodwater stays for some time even after the rain stops.

Hanalei refuge area remains an option

Residents intending to go to the Hale Halawai refuge area located in Hanalei are advised to confirm whether they will be allowed into the area in case of floods, because not all the designated refuge areas may operate during a flood crisis.

The site operates as a temporary haven, but it doesn’t offer any food supply, drinking water, blankets, medications, or health professionals, as indicated by the County of Kauaʻi.

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Residents intending to use the refuge area need to pack their necessities, including drinking water, food supplies, medications, and personal necessities for children, if any.

Other things that residents can consider are the road conditions.

Flooding was experienced in areas around Hanalei Bridge due to heavy rains, and after the flash flood advisory ends, there could still be flooding on roads. Residents are advised to listen to official traffic advisories, follow road closures, and not attempt to travel through flooded roads.

To get current information on roads, residents may contact the County of Kaua'i at 808-241-1725.

For emergency notifications, residents may contact the Kauai Emergency Management Agency.

Essential items residents should bring to the Hanalei refuge area

• Drinking water: Individual packets of bottled water.
• Food: Pre-packaged food.
• Medicines: All prescribed medicines and medical supplies.
• Bedding: Blankets and sleeping bags or any other form of bedding.
• Personal hygiene kit: Shampoo, deodorants, toothbrush, sanitiser, wipes and other necessary sanitation items.
• Clothing: An extra set of clothes, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Documents: Passport, driver's license, any other important document. They should preferably be kept in waterproof bags.
• Communications: Cellphones and chargers.
• Baby supplies: For those with babies – baby food, formula, diapers and any other item.
• Disability aid: Equipment and other necessary supplies for people with special requirements.
• Pet supplies: For those with pets - pet food and any other supplies

Heavy rainfall caused rapid river rises and highway closures

The warning of flood came due to heavy rains that had been experienced in the island of Kauaʻi. As per the report by Kauaʻi Now dated October 31, the heavy rains were witnessed in the eastern parts of Mount Waiʻaleʻale, with further rainfall heading to the windward side of the island.

There was heavy rainfall of one to three inches per hour. There was also an indication from the gauge of Hanalei River of a fast rise upstream of Hanalei Town, indicating a possibility of floods around the Hanalei Bridge on Kūhiō Highway.

The road had been closed due to floods around the bridge at noon on Saturday. Towards the end of the day, the local authorities were also reporting a rapid rise in water in the Hanalei and Wailua rivers.

Despite heavy rainfall having ended, flooding near the Hanalei River was still an issue. According to National Weather Service warning information, the warning finally expired on the night of October 31 at 11:45 PM.

Nevertheless, the expiration of the warning does not mean that all risks related to floods have disappeared.

As per the November 1 update from the county, Kūhiō Highway near the Hanalei Bridge had been opened for alternating traffic, but there were some delays. In addition, the warning stated that there may be standing water on the roads of the island.

It is necessary to respect barriers, obey traffic controls, and refrain from trying to drive through flooded areas since fast-moving water can carry away cars, whereas even shallow water can hide some road dangers.