Several days of enhanced rainfall have finally ended over the State of Hawaii. The heavy rains, produced by an upper level disturbance over moist trade wind flow, caused significant flooding in the Hilo area of the Big Island and the north- and south-facing slopes of Kauai. For the Hilo area, it was the most significant flood event since the intense Nov. 1-2 2000 severe flood event. In contrast, the Feb. 2008 event will be known more for its duration than its intensity with Hilo Airport having its wettest 7 days on record over the period from Jan. 30 through Feb. 5. Viewed another way, Hilo Airport’s rain total through the first five days of Feb. already places its monthly total as the fourth wettest Feb. on record dating back to 1950.

On Kauai, significant rainfall occurred over a shorter period of time but was much more intense. Very heavy rain anchored over the north- and south-facing slopes of the island produced record-breaking water levels on Makaweli River near the town of Waimea on Feb. 3.

The following list contains notable 5-day rain totals from across the state covering the period from 8 a.m. Feb. 1 through 8 a.m. Feb. 6. These totals were calculated using provisional data from automated rain gages. The data have not been quality controlled and are for informational purposes only. All totals in inches.

Kauai

Oahu

Maui

Big Island