A large portion of the state is beginning to experience drought conditions during this time when rainfall is usually more plentiful.
The State Commission of Water Resource Management (CWRM) is recommending water conservation measures including the elimination of landscape irrigation, car and truck washing, and reductions in home water use such as shorter showers and not running the faucet continuously when brushing your teeth.
Continuously monitored streamflow stations across the state are flowing at record low rates, with some approaching the lowest flows ever recorded. Drought conditions, as reported by the U.S. Drought Monitor show nearly the entire state in some level of drought, with all eight of the Main Hawaiian Islands experiencing at least moderate drought. The northwestern tips of Kaua’i and Maui are currently in severe drought. The only exceptions are a small area in the center of Hawai‘i Island, described as abnormally dry, and the east side of Hawai‘i island, as the only place in the state, not currently experiencing drought conditions.
Oheo Stream at Kipahulu, Maui has stopped flowing above Seven Sacred Pools and Kaluanui Stream near Punalu‘u on O‘ahu has stopped flowing completely. Streamflow from North and South Kaukonahua streams into Lake Wilson is currently below 0.64 million gallons per day (mgd), threatening agricultural uses along the north shore.
More detailed information on drought conditions can be found below:
| Hawaii County stream flows | Period of record | Median flow for March 8 | Current flow | Percentage of median flow |
| Alakahi | 57 years | 3.23 mgd | 0.01 mgd | 0.4% |
| Kawainui | 57 years | 4.53 mgd | 0.14 mgd | 3% |
|
Maui County stream flows |
Period of record |
Median flow for March 8 |
Current flow |
Percentage of median flow |
|
Hanawi |
102 years |
6.46 mgd |
1.34 mgd |
21% |
|
West Wailuaiki |
102 years |
10.34 mgd |
1.01 mgd |
10% |
|
Waikamoi |
27 years |
0.14 mgd |
0.01 mgd |
5% |
|
Nailiilihaele |
61 years |
14.22 mgd |
1.42 mgd |
10% |
|
Honopou |
110 years |
2.52 mgd |
0.21 mgd |
9% |
|
Waihee |
38 years |
36.84 mgd |
21.39 mgd |
60% |
|
Kahakuloa |
73 years |
7.11 mgd |
2.55 mgd |
36% |
|
Honokohau |
104 years |
15.5 mgd |
5.6 mgd |
37% |
| Honolulu County stream Flows | Period of record | Median flow for March 8 | Current flow | Percentage of median flow |
| South Fork-Kaukonahua | 57 years | 4.5 mgd | 0.50 mgd | 11% |
| North Fork-Kaukonahua | 99 years | 3.88 mgd | 0.11 mgd | 3% |
| Opaeula | 61 years | 5.09 mgd | 0.09 mgd | 3% |
| Kaluanui | 53 years | 0.97 mgd | 0.00 mgd | 0% |
| Kauai County stream flows | Period of record | Median flow for March 8 | Current flow | Percentage of median flow |
| East Branch North Fork-Wailua | 107 years | 21.3 mgd | 8.08 mgd | 38% |
Photo credit: DLNR