UPDATE: One lane of alternating traffic open on Kūhiō Highway near Hanalei River Bridge

Update at 10:09 p.m. July 20, 2025: Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency reported just before 6 p.m. today that Kūhiō Highway near Hanalei River Bridge is open to one lane of alternating traffic after being closed this morning and for much of the day because of being inundated from flood waters.

Ponding, low visibility and other hazardous driving conditions could remain, so motorists are urged to be cautious.

Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau officials advise no swimming or water recreational activities in waters along north-facing shores because of observed brown water runoff.

The gate to Queen’s Bath is also closed because of hazardous ocean conditions.

Because of the earlier closure of Kūhiō Highway near Hanalei Bridge, all lifeguard towers — except at Hanalei Bay — were closed.

Northern, central and even some southern portions of the island were socked and soaked by heavy rainfall that started early this morning and lasted through much of today, causing flooding in several areas.

National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu initially issued a flood advisory for northern and central Kaua’i just before 1 a.m. today that was canceled about 3 hours later. Another flood advisory was issued for the same areas, extending to the central south shore of the island, from 4:51 to 8 a.m.

The first flash flood warning for the Garden Isle went into effect from 5 to 8 a.m. for northern and central portions of the island, with the flood advisory previously issued canceled at 7:40 a.m.

Forecasters extended the flash flood warning until 11 a.m., as heavy rainfall continued to pound northern and central Kaua‘i and flooding was ongoing in areas, particularly in the Hanalei area.

Kaua‘i Emergency Management reported at 7:48 a.m. a large amount of water inundating Kūhiō Highway at Hanalei River Bridge.

Heavy rain was diminishing over higher terrain, upstream of Hanalei, but was still falling at a rate of half an inch to 1 inch per hour.

The possibility of flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties and other low-lying areas, as well as landslides in areas with steep terrain continued until late this morning in locations experiencing flash flooding that included Hanalei, Kapa‘a, Princeville, North Fork Wailuā Trails, Wailuā Homesteads and Wainiha.

The flash flood warning was finally allowed to expire at 11 a.m., 6 hours after it was first issued; however, Kūhiō Highway at Hanalei River Bridge remained closed until several hours later — just before 6 p.m. when one lane of alternating traffic was reopened — because of elevated water levels from flooding.

An emergency shelter at Hale Hālāwai in Hanalei was also on standby, should the need arise.

Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources closed the famous 11-mile Kalalau Trail along Nā Pali Coast on the North Shore today as well because of flash flooding.

Call 808-241-1725 for road condition updates. Only call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Visit the National Weather Service website or call the automated weather line at 808-245-6001 for weather updates.

Sign up for Kauaʻi County’s Wireless Emergency Notification System by visiting the county website and clicking on “WENS.”

Visit the Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau website or call 808-241-4984 for up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and ocean safety information.

Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency can also be reached at 808-241-1800.

Original post at 11:20 a.m. July 20, 2025: Kūhiō Highway near Hanalei Bridge remains closed as a flash flood warning ends at 11 a.m. for Kauaʻi.

Ponding, low visibility and other hazardous driving conditions are expected. If driving is unavoidable, extreme caution is advised. Do not cross fast-flowing or rising water in a vehicle or on foot.

Kūhiō Highway near the Hanalei Bridge will remain closed until further notice because of flooding.

Kauaʻi Ocean Safety Bureau officials also advise no swimming or water recreational activities in waters along north-facing shores of Kaua‘i because of observed brown water runoff.

All lifeguard towers except Hanalei Bay are closed, and the gate to Queen’s Bath is closed because of hazardous ocean conditions.

Call 808-241-1725 for road condition updates. Only call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Visit the National Weather Service website or call the automated weather line at 808-245-6001 for weather updates.

Visit the Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau website or call 808-241-4984 for up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and ocean safety information.

Sign up for Kauaʻi County’s Wireless Emergency Notification System by visiting the county website and clicking on “WENS.”

Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency can also be reached at 808-241-1800.