Royal Hawaiian and Moana Surfrider Welcome Flood Evacuees, Visitors Safe
On Friday the Hawaii Tourism Authority advised visitors there was no need to cancel upcoming trips. The same day, several Waikiki hotels opened rooms for flood evacuees at the governor’s request.
Hotels housing displaced residents
Governor Josh Green personally contacted major Waikiki properties to secure rooms. He asked hotels to host residents who could not safely return home or preferred not to use large emergency shelters.
- Royal Hawaiian
- Moana Surfrider
- Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
- Sheraton Princess Kaiulani
- Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
- Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber
- Outrigger Waikiki Paradise
- Waikiki Beach Marriott
Rooms were made available starting at $191, with resort fees waived. The governor called the rate a deeply discounted Kama’aina price, roughly 60% to 70% below typical cost.
Public messages and media attention
The HTA continued to urge travelers not to cancel. Officials stressed airports remain operational, hotels are open, and tourism infrastructure is functioning.
Headlines such as “Moana Surfrider Welcome Flood Evacuees, Visitors Safe” circulated and drew attention. That visibility highlighted tensions between relief efforts and visitor expectations.
What this means for visitors
Having a reservation at a listed hotel does not automatically mean a trip is canceled. Hotels remain open and operating.
However, visitors may find stays that differ from expectations. Officials acknowledged the contrast between urging travel and placing displaced residents in the same properties.
Storm impact and damages
The situation was triggered by two back-to-back Kona lows in a single week. The first system hit Maui hardest, while the second focused on Oahu’s North Shore.
Evacuation orders remained in effect on parts of the North Shore. Flooding was described as catastrophic in some areas.
Governor Green estimated the event could cause about $1 billion in statewide damage. On Oahu, authorities reported 233 rescues related to flooding.
State officials called this the largest flood in Hawaii in roughly 20 years. The full extent of damage was still being assessed.
Short-term outlook
Weather was expected to improve quickly starting Monday. Conditions were forecast to clear from Kauai down the island chain.
Forecasters anticipated a return to typical trade wind weather and largely sunny skies across the state through the coming week.
Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments and report updates as more information becomes available.
