Kona Storm – March 2026: When Kona’s Calm Weather Turns Dramatic

			<p>By Kai Ioh and KE TEAM Hawaii<br /><em>Kai Ioh is a luxury real estate advisor based in Kona, Hawai‘i, specializing in second home, resort, and ultra-high-net-worth markets across the Big Island.</em></p><hr /><p>Kona usually greets us with calm mornings, blue skies, and gentle ocean breezes. Today is a little different.</p><p>Since early morning, thick clouds have covered the sky over Kailua-Kona, bringing intermittent bursts of heavy rain. The current rain probability is around <strong>86%</strong>, and conditions remain unstable.</p><p>A powerful <strong>Kona Storm</strong> is currently affecting the entire Hawaiian Islands. In response, Governor <strong>Josh Green</strong> has issued a <strong>statewide emergency proclamation</strong>.</p><p>Safety has become the priority across the island. Around Kona, high school sports have been canceled through Saturday. Even the popular <strong>Kona Brewers Festival</strong>, originally scheduled for March 14, has been postponed to April 4. A bit disappointing for many of us.</p><p>Normally the town is lively with visitors, but today Kona feels unusually quiet. Even our office is nearly empty.</p><p>Authorities across Hawai‘i are advising residents to:</p><ul><li><p>Avoid unnecessary travel</p></li><li><p>Never drive through flooded roads</p></li><li><p>Stay away from mountainous areas</p></li></ul><hr /><h2>Severe Weather Across the Hawaiian Islands</h2><p>This storm system is not limited to the Big Island. It is affecting the entire state.</p><h3>Big Island</h3><p>A <strong>Flood Watch</strong> remains in effect until Saturday evening.</p><p>The Kona side is expected to receive particularly heavy rainfall from Friday into Saturday.</p><p>At the summits of <strong>Mauna Kea</strong> and <strong>Mauna Loa</strong>, a <strong>Winter Storm Warning</strong> has also been issued. Snow and icy road conditions are possible at the higher elevations.</p><p>Wind gusts near the summits could exceed <strong>100 mph (160 km/h)</strong>.</p><h3>Oʻahu</h3><p>Earlier today, a <strong>Flash Flood Warning</strong> was issued island-wide.</p><p>Flood watches remain in effect, and strong downslope winds from the mountains may develop from tonight through Saturday evening.</p><h3>Maui</h3><p>Flood watches are in place through Saturday.</p><p>State parks such as <strong>ʻIao Valley</strong> and <strong>Kepaniwai Park</strong> have been temporarily closed as a precaution.</p><h3>Kauaʻi</h3><p>Flood watches are also active here, and <strong>waterspouts</strong> have been reported offshore.</p><hr /><h2>Waiting for the Blue Skies Again</h2><p>For the latest safety updates, it’s best to follow announcements from each county’s <a href="https://hawaii-county-civil-defense-agency-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Civil Defense</strong> office</a>.</p><p>And once this storm passes, Kona will likely return to its familiar rhythm — blue skies, calm seas, and sunshine.</p><p>If the forecast holds, <strong>Saturday might turn into a perfect day to watch the WBC baseball games indoors.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>