A Month Later, North Shore Businesses Are Still Picking Up the Pieces After Kona Low Flooding

More than a month after the devastating Kona low swept across Oahu’s North Shore, small businesses in Haleiwa and Waialua are still struggling to recover from flooding damage and dramatically reduced visitor traffic that has left many wondering when — or if — tourism will return to pre-storm levels.

The March storm dumped record rainfall across the region, with some areas receiving more than 15 inches in 24 hours. While citywide recovery efforts have largely wound down, North Shore business owners say they’re facing an uphill battle that extends far beyond initial cleanup efforts.

“We’re in survival mode right now,” said Maria Santos, owner of Haleiwa Surf & Style, a boutique that has served locals and tourists along Kamehameha Highway for eight years. “The physical damage was one thing, but the drop in foot traffic has been devastating. We’re seeing maybe 30% of our normal visitor numbers.”

Ongoing Challenges Beyond Initial Damage

Santos’ shop, located in the heart of Haleiwa town, sustained significant water damage when storm runoff overwhelmed drainage systems throughout the historic surf town. While she received assistance from the Small Business Administration for initial repairs, the ongoing revenue loss has proven more challenging than the one-time damage.

Insurance covered some flooding repairs, but Santos had to close for two weeks while replacing damaged inventory and flooring. The bigger issue now is convincing tourists that the North Shore is open for business.

“People see news about flooding and they assume everything is still closed or damaged,” Santos explained. “We need visitors to know that we’re here, we’re open, and we need their support.”

Similar stories echo throughout both Haleiwa and Waialua, where small businesses form the backbone of the local economy. Many establishments are family-owned operations with thin profit margins that leave little room for extended periods of reduced revenue.

Aid Efforts and Community Response

Local relief organizations and the City and County of Honolulu have provided various forms of assistance, but business owners say the help often falls short of addressing long-term economic impacts. The Hawaii Community Foundation’s disaster relief fund distributed emergency grants to affected businesses, while the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism launched a marketing campaign to encourage local residents to support North Shore businesses.

At Waialua Coffee & More, owner James Nakamura received a $5,000 emergency grant that helped cover immediate expenses after flooding damaged his roasting equipment. However, with visitor traffic down by nearly half, Nakamura has had to reduce staff hours and consider whether he can maintain his current location.

“The grant helped with the emergency repairs, but it doesn’t replace the customers who aren’t coming,” Nakamura said. “We’re a destination business — people drive up here specifically to visit us. When they’re not making that trip, we feel it immediately.”

The coffee shop, a popular stop for tourists heading to Pipeline and Sunset Beach, typically sees steady weekend traffic from Honolulu residents and visitors. Since the storm, weekend sales have dropped significantly, forcing Nakamura to rely more heavily on his local customer base.

Tourism Recovery Efforts

The Hawaii Tourism Authority has included North Shore recovery in its broader marketing efforts, highlighting that most attractions and beaches have reopened. However, business owners say more targeted promotion is needed to rebuild confidence among potential visitors.

Road conditions remain a concern for some tourists, though major highways serving the North Shore have been cleared and repaired. Some visitors continue to associate the area with storm damage, despite most businesses operating normally.

County Councilmember Matt Weyer, whose district includes the North Shore, has advocated for additional business support measures. He noted that while immediate disaster response was crucial, the longer-term economic recovery requires sustained attention.

“These businesses are the lifeblood of North Shore communities,” Weyer said. “We need to do everything we can to help them not just survive, but thrive again.”

For Santos and Nakamura, recovery means not just returning to pre-storm revenue levels, but building resilience for future weather events. Both are exploring ways to diversify their customer base and reduce dependence on tourism alone.

As spring moves into summer — typically the North Shore’s busier season — business owners are cautiously optimistic that visitor traffic will gradually return. However, they emphasize that recovery will require both continued community support and visitors willing to make the drive up the coast to discover that the North Shore remains as welcoming as ever.