November 2000 Hawaii floods
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$131 million (2026 USD)
 Satellite loop of rainfall spreading across Hawaii | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Duration | November 1–3, 2000 |
| Flood | |
| Maximum rainfall | 38.76 in (985 mm) |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | None |
| Damage | $70 million (2000 USD) $131 million (2026 USD) |
| Areas affected | Hawaii |
The November 2000 Hawaii floods were a costly flooding event caused by an upper-level low and the remnants of Tropical Storm Paul, a weak and short-lived tropical cyclone. Rainfall totals reached 38.76 in (985 mm) at Kapapala Ranch on the Big Island of Hawaii, which was the second highest precipitation total in the state related to a tropical cyclone. The floods led to $70 million (2000 USD; $131 million 2026 USD) in damage, but there were no fatalities.
Tropical Storm Paul formed on October 25 from the Intertropical Convergence Zone to the southwest of Mexico, and it dissipated four days later without becoming a significant tropical cyclone.[1] The remnants of Paul reached the Hawaiian Islands in early November 2000, and interacted with an upper-level low, dropping very heavy rains from November 1 to November 3.[2]
On the island of Hawaii, more commonly referred to as "the Big Island", roughly the entire eastern half of the island experienced rainfall of at least 10 in (254 mm), while the western side reported generally less than 5 in (127 mm) or less.[2] A station in Hilo reported 27.2 in (690 mm) in a 24‑hour period, breaking the record set in February 1979 by more than 4 in (100 mm). Additionally, 16.2 in (410 mm) was recorded on November 2, which set the new calendar day total for the month of November, surpassing the previous total of 15.4 in (390 mm) on November 18, 1990.[3] Near Ka Lae, the southernmost point in the United States, rainfall reached nearly 5 in (127 mm). Rainfall peaked at an extreme amount of 38.76 in (985 mm) at Kapapala Ranch.[2] In addition, the 24 hour rainfall total reached 37 in (940 mm), which is just 1 in (25 mm) shy of the record amount of precipitation in the state of Hawaii set on January 25, 1956.[4] That total was the second-highest tropical cyclone-related rainfall total in the state, although well behind Hurricane Hiki of 1950, which dropped 52 in (1321 mm).[5]
Impact and records
The most affected districts were Hilo, Ka’u and Puna, and the flooding damaged homes, businesses, roads, and public facilities. Near Pahala, the flooding cut a portion of Route 11, leaving the city's fire station only accessible by helicopter.[6] The flooding caused several mudslides across the island of Hawaii, and most schools and businesses were closed. Additionally, dozens of people were forced to evacuate.[3]
The Red Cross indicated that the 33 homes and apartments were destroyed as a result of the flood, and another 265 sustaining damage. Some bridges were damaged during the flooding, which temporarily closed several roads and highways on the southeast side of the island of Hawaii. The flooding resulted in $70 million worth of property damage, but no fatalities were reported. Four people required rescuing after flood waters entered their house.[4]
Few reports of impact exist other than on the island of Hawaii, although reports of stream and minor street flooding was observed on the islands of Molokai, Lanai, Maui,[7] and on the eastern side of Oahu.[8]
