Hawaii Flash Flood Escape footage caught by Drone on Maui

Flash flooding in Maui, Hawaii (or anywhere) is NO JOKE! Unaware hikers are injured and/or killed every year in Hawaii from streams that turn into raging rivers without a moment of warning. As you can see in this drone video, some friends quickly scramble to relative safety while one of their friends is swallowed by the raging torent at the top of the 30 foot waterfall and swept over.

Here's the deal: This hike (called the Commando Hike because it requires serious phyiscal prowess to navigate the stream and caves) among many others is shared in guidebooks and word of mouth, but it's incredibly dangerous. The problem lies in that even when it's not raining where you are, it could be upstream. These visitors we're incredibly fortunate to live through this relatively unscathed, though they (and 6 others) required airlift from a helicopter to safety.

Hawaii Flash Flood Tips

Some things to think about before visiting a stream or waterfall along the Road to Hana, Maui Hawaii:

• Stick to areas that are monitored. 'Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) will close their pools/waterfalls if their system shows signs of danger. Twin Falls Maui is also a great spot to hit because the good people of Wailele Farm monitor the streams and close off the road to hikers if dangerous.
• Don't go off the beaten path to spots with no one around. We know, its great to have a fall to yourself, but cell reception is non existent most places on the way to Hana. If you get in trouble, and no one is around, you're on your own.
• If it's raining, stay away from the water.
• Never swim directly under a waterfall. Even without a flash flood, debris (branches, rocks, logs, etc...) often flow over waterfalls and hurt people.
• Wear water shoes especially built for wet, slippery terrain and don't take them off.
• Always let someone know where you're going and when they can expect you back. That way if things get ugly, you have someone that can call the authorities.
• Tip your rescue helicopter team.

Commando Hike Maui

To visit the Commando Hike, you need to cross private property, then travel along EMI land where the stream runs. Even if trespassing doesn't disuade you, we can't emphasize enough how dangerous this hike is. It has some beautiful waterfalls, but there are plenty of amazing waterfalls along the Road to Hana and beyond that are far safer to visit.

People have been killed and seriously injured exploring this area. Literally weeks before this video was made, another man was severely injured and stuck overnight below one of these falls until rescue was possible.

We feel really good about how this event turned out. Thankfully no one was seriously injured, and hopefully this video will shed light on how visitors need to be very cautious and refrain from visiting dangerous spots. Renee, Jason, AJ, Noah, Sean, and Sarah, stay safe and thanks for sharing this with everyone. ALOHA!

More Amazing Hawaii Flash Flood Videos

Big Island Flash Flood

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