Urgent Flood Warning: Hāna Opens Temporary Evacuation Site

Image Source: Maui Now

A flood warning prompted Maui County emergency officials to open a temporary evacuation site in Hāna on Wednesday night as persistent rainfall caused flooding, hazardous road conditions and transportation disruptions across East Maui.

The temporary site at Helene Hall, located at 174 Keawa Place, opened at approximately 9:45 p.m. on October 28, 2026. Officials said it will remain available until the immediate threat of flooding has passed.

Critical Flood Warning Brings Temporary Evacuation Site to Hāna

Helene Hall is intended to provide residents with a safe place to gather during the worsening weather. However, emergency officials emphasized that it is not a fully equipped shelter at this time.

Residents using the site should bring essential personal supplies, including medications, food, water, important documents and other necessities. Pets are permitted only when secured in crates or cages.

Officials noted that a temporary evacuation site can be converted into a regular shelter if conditions require. A formal shelter would typically provide cots, food and water for displaced residents.

Road Closures Reported Across East Maui

High water created dangerous and impassable conditions on several roads in and around Hāna. Piʻilani Highway was closed in both directions at Mile Marker 51 because of flooding. The affected location is between Kaihalulu and Koki beach parks.

Maui Police Department issued a roadway alert regarding the closure. Drivers were urged not to attempt to cross flooded areas and to use alternate routes whenever possible.

Uakea Road and Keanini Drive in Hāna town were also closed because of high water. A separate update identified a road closure at the intersection of Uakea and Keanini streets due to possible flooding.

• Piʻilani Highway: Closed in both directions at Mile Marker 51.
• Uakea Road: Closed in Hāna town because of flooding.
• Keanini Drive: Closed due to high water and unsafe travel conditions.
• Helene Hall: Open as a temporary evacuation site until the threat passes.

Residents and visitors should expect conditions to change quickly, particularly in low-lying areas, near streams and along roadways affected by runoff. Even shallow moving water can make a road unsafe and may conceal damage beneath the surface.

Statewide Flood Watch Remains in Effect

The National Weather Service issued a statewide Flood Watch through late Wednesday night, warning that additional rainfall and flooding were possible even after the watch expired.

The weather threat was especially concerning for East Maui, where intense rain can rapidly increase water levels and trigger roadway closures. Officials encouraged the public to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel and follow instructions from emergency agencies.

Maui County emergency officials also advised residents to monitor official alerts from the Maui Emergency Management Agency and the county. Maui Now reported that updated road information would be provided through county emergency communications and roadway notifications.

Anyone living in or traveling through Hāna should prepare for potential delays and consider staying away from closed roads until authorities confirm they are safe. Drivers should never move barricades or enter a roadway marked as closed.

What Residents Should Do Now

People in areas vulnerable to flooding can take several precautions while the weather system remains active:

• Keep phones charged and monitor emergency notifications.
• Gather medications, identification, water, food and other essential items.
• Move vehicles and valuables away from low-lying or flood-prone areas.
• Do not walk or drive through moving water.
• Keep pets secured in carriers if evacuation becomes necessary.
• Check on elderly neighbors, family members and people who may need assistance.

The temporary evacuation site at Helene Hall offers an important safety option for Hāna residents, but officials stressed that people should bring their own supplies. Conditions may improve as rainfall decreases, but additional runoff can continue after heavy rain ends.

For now, the most important priorities are personal safety, avoiding closed roads and staying informed through official emergency updates. Residents should be prepared for the possibility that the temporary site could be expanded into a full shelter if flooding worsens.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Flood Warning

Where is the temporary evacuation site in Hāna?

The temporary evacuation site is at Helene Hall, 174 Keawa Place, in Hāna.

Why was the evacuation site opened?

Maui County opened the site because of increased rainfall and flooding affecting Hāna and nearby roads.

Which roads were closed?

Piʻilani Highway was closed in both directions at Mile Marker 51. Uakea Road and Keanini Drive in Hāna town were also closed because of flooding.

Can residents bring pets?

Yes. Pets are allowed at the temporary site only when they are secured in crates or cages.

Does the temporary site provide food and water?

No. The site is a safe gathering area but does not have the supplies of a regular shelter. Residents should bring essential items. If necessary, officials may convert it into a full shelter with cots, food and water.