Drought Information Statement for the Main Hawaiian Islands Valid September 12, 2025 Issued By: WFO Honolulu, HI Contact Information: w-hfo.webmaster@noaa.gov This product will be updated October 10, 2025 or sooner if drought conditions change significantly. Overall very dry conditions with below average rainfall in August lead to worsening drought for portions of the state. U.S. Drought Monitor A very dry second half of August and start to September undid any drought improvement from earlier in the summer and led to additional resulted in drought degradation and expansion for portions of the state. Drought intensity and Extent D3 (Extreme Drought): Remains over portions of the Hāmākua district of the Big Island. D2 (Severe Drought): Remains over leeward areas of Molokaʻi and Maui (also the central valley), and portions of the Kohala, Hāmākua, and Kaʻu districts of the Big Island. Some expansion into the western portion of the Hilo district as well as development in the Honolulu area of Oʻahu. D1 (Moderate Drought): Covered most areas of Molokaʻi, Maui, and the Big Island not under D0, D2, or D3, as well as leeward Kauai and Oʻahu. D0: (Abnormally Dry): Covered the remainder of the state not under D1-3. Recent Change in Drought Intensity One Week Drought Monitor Class Change. One category degradation along the southeastern coast of Oʻahu and western Hilo district of the Big Island to D2. Elsewhere, no changes. Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change. One category degradation for a large portion of Kauaʻi, windward sections of most of the remaining islands, and the Kona district of the Big Island. No areas of drought improvement. No Change: Rest of the state. Precipitation Dismal rainfall totals observed for August, especially for leeward areas of the smaller islands, caused the majority of the state to come in below average for the month. Aside from a couple of standout spots, even the Kona district was largely below average for August, despite summer being their “rainy season.” Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts Stage 1 water shortage remains in effect for Upcountry, South, and Central Maui since September 2024 due to lack of surface water flow. West Maui upgraded to Stage 2 water shortage 9/4/25. Molokaʻi reservoir levels lower than last year at this time. Increase in water deliveries across the Big Island to customers on catchment systems. Agricultural Impacts Ongoing: Poor range conditions across the Big Island, with supplemental feeding required and persistent water shortages, especially in Hāmākua and Kaʻu districts. Ranchers weaning cattle early and destocking cows due to lack of available pasture feed, as well as having to haul water in (Kauaʻi too) and move cattle to Kona district for better grazing conditions. Many reports cite not seeing conditions like this since around 2008. Civil Beat news reports Big Island ranchers are hoping for a direct hit from a tropical cyclone to get the rain needed to continue raising grass-fed beef. Fire Hazard Impacts Brush fires on Oʻahu (Kunia), Kauaʻi (Kokeʻe State Park) and Big Island (Mauna Kea Access Road), plus several other small fires statewide. Other Impacts None. Mitigation Actions Mandatory 25% water restriction in the Hakalau area and essential water use only for North Kohala of the Big Island until further notice. CWRM request to Governor to approve a statewide water restriction. Mandatory non-potable water conservation efforts still in place for Kapalua (West Maui) with irrigation disallowed. Mandatory water conservation advisory continues for Kaʻanapali, Maui through October 1. Backup wells used for Upcountry Maui water supply beginning 9/11/25. Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts The 14-day streamflow levels were mostly below normal across the island chain, with the exception of normal conditions for the windward higher terrain of Oʻahu and southeastern Kauaʻi. The 28-day streamflow levels were much below normal for every island where data is available (Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, and Maui.) Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage The climate ensemble models show enhanced probability of below normal precipitation for all islands through September and through November for Maui County and the Big Island. Probabilities shift toward above normal precipitation statewide this winter due to higher chances for La Niña development. Existing drought and abnormally dry areas expected to persist and/or worsen through the end of November. Drought development is anticipated for the Kona district. No drought (abnormally dry or less on the U.S. Drought Monitor) expected for much of Kauaʻi and Oʻahu.