Record Rainfall - November 2, 2000

The Big Island was deluged by record rainfall on November 2, 2000, closing all public schools, and most government agencies and businesses on the East side of the island. HawaiiTropicals.com was anable to ship any flowers or gifts, and most of our crew were turned back by police and told to return home.

Hilo reported as the rainiest city in the nation, receives an average rainfall of 129 inches each year. But in the past two day's, rainfall had even astounded the hardcore weather watchers.

According to the National Weather Service, the massive storm set a record in Hilo where 27.83 inches of rain fell at the airport in the 24-hour period ending at 11 a.m. Thursday. The previous record for a 24-hour period was 22.30 inches set in 1979.

If Hilo wasn't wet enough, the most rainfall happened over Kapapala Ranch in north Ka'u. Between 2 p.m. Wednesday and 2 p.m. Thursday the recorded rainfall totalled of 36.68 inches.

That was only slightly more than an inch behind the maximum rainfall ever recorded in Hawaii over a 24-hour period, which was 38.00 inches that fell at Kilauea Plantation on Kauai in January 1956.

Steven Parente braved the storm and took some digital photos (below) to share with our customers visitors. Click on any of the photographs below to see a large version. When you choose a photograph, a new browser window will open. When you are finished viewing, close the browser window and you will be returned to this page.

Hilo Bayfront
Hilo Bay Front Notice the two gas stations under water in the background
Hilo Bay Front and Gas Stations Same area as above photo
Hilo Bayfront Soccer Fields More like water polo
Hilo Bayfront Soccer Fields The building is the bathroom
Rainbow Falls More like Niagra Falls

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