Travel advisory update warns Canadians to be extra cautious in Hawaii

Canadians travelling to Hawaii or those with upcoming trips to the state are urged to be extra cautious.

The Government of Canada issued an urgent update to its U.S. travel advisory on Friday, March 20, highlighting the latest developments in Hawaii, particularly on the island of Oahu.

"Due to an expected imminent failure at Wahiawa Dam, a flash flood warning has been issued for Oahu," reads the statement.

People in areas downstream of Wahiawa Dam, including parts of Haleiwa and Waialua, were urged to evacuate.

"This is the largest flood that we've had in Hawaii in 20 years," said Hawaii Governor Josh Green during a news conference on Friday.

Although evacuation orders have since been lifted, a flood alert remains in effect in some areas after the state was hit by several winter storms called kona lows or kona storms, which caused power outages and severe flooding. According to Green, some areas saw up to 40 to 50 inches of rain over 10 days.

Recent Hawaii flooding images.

A U.S. Army HH-60 Black Hawk crew flew over a flooded areas on Oahu, Hawaii, on March 21.

The Army aircrew conducted flood damage assessments following a major "Kona Low" storm.

(Photos by Sgt. Olivia Cowart, via U.S. Army Pacific) pic.twitter.com/9TjWn09z9m

— Meteorologist Matthew Huddleston (@MatthewHWx) March 23, 2026

"Don't drive through heavy water. Make sure that you're kind of lying low," he said in a video posted on X on Saturday.

In a statement shared on Sunday, he said that although the immediate threat from the storm has passed, recovery efforts continue as crews assess damage, clear debris, and restore impacted infrastructure. As a result, the public is urged to continue monitoring official updates and to avoid entering floodwaters or unsafe areas.

Honolulu, the state's capital on Oahu, has also issued multiple traffic advisories due to hazardous conditions caused by fallen utility poles, damaged roads, or flooding. Some areas remain under a boil water notice.

"Natural disasters can occur at any time," reads Canada's travel advisory.

Canadians travelling internationally should sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROC). The free and confidential service informs Canadian citizens outside the country of an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home.