One of the worst floods in years on the Hawaiian island of Kauai stranded dozens of tourists earlier this week. The National Weather Service reported 28 inches of rainfall over the weekend, but local meteorologists believe it was more — the rainfall gauge stopped operating in the middle of the storm.
Kauai is still recovering from the storm. Landslides blocked major roads, including the Kuhio Highway. The Kalalau Trail, a popular tourist destination for hiking, remains closed. Towns along the island’s northern coast were affected most harshly.
“Things are going to take a little while,” Sue Kanoho, the executive director for the Kauai Visitors Bureau, told USA Today. “I want to be up front with people.”
An estimated 30 campers were stranded in Napali Coast State Wilderness Park over the weekend. According to the governor’s office, emergency responders have airlifted 425 people out of the area.
While several homes were washed away, no major injuries were reported from the flooding. Roads and bridges remain closed.
State health officials have warned residents in the affected parts of Kauai to avoiding cooking or drinking tap water due to a damaged main line.
Tourists planning on visiting Kauai in the upcoming weeks should check the official tourism site for updates on conditions. Hawaiian Airlines is waiving change fees for passengers affected by the flooding.