Los Angeles travelers coming back from Hawaii say rainfall, flooding is unlike anything they have experienced

HONOLULU () — Raging floodwaters on O’ahu’s North Shore prompted temporary evacuation orders this week as heavy rains inundated homes and cars, leaving the area known for bigwave surfing buried in mud after what officials are calling the state’s worst flooding in more than 20 years.

Travelers arriving at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Saturday evening from Hawaii described days of relentless rainfall across the island. Some had been vacationing, while others live in Hawaii and said the storm was unlike anything they had experienced.

Jen Baker of Kaneohe shared video from her home, about 50 minutes from the North Shore, showing floodwater climbing to the second stair of her house.

“When the flood happened, it was the middle of the night, so people had to kind of flee in the dark, which is really scary,” she said.

SEE ALSO: Hawaii suffers its worst flooding in 20 years, and forecasters warn more rain is coming

Rapid waters lifted structures and vehicles as muddy runoff flowed through neighborhoods in the North Shore community. Visitors described the widespread damage they saw.

“Some sink holes, lots of landslides, rocks, downed trees, just damage throughout,” said Toni Sanger.

“At one point, the power went out, and then it was flooding, and they don’t have their pumps. They’re in trouble,” James Solley said.

“It was this deep in the hotel lobbies,” said Lee Coogan. “The way the swell was so high, we couldn’t even dock in Kona, and then Hilo was just flooded everywhere. You couldn’t see anything.”

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said damage to schools, airports, roads, homes and hospitals could exceed $1 billion.

Baker said neighbors stepped up to help one another as conditions worsened.

“Everybody helped, as best as we can do. We’re pretty much on our own out there. So, it’s just been trying to stay out of the way,” she said.

About 5,500 people north of Honolulu were ordered to evacuate. Those orders have now been lifted, but authorities are keeping their eyes on a 120-year-old dam that they fear could fail. Though for now, officials say it is operating as intended.