Rebuilding Together: Recovering from the Kona Low Storm on Hawaiʻi Island

Image from BigIslandNow.com

The recent Kona Low storm brought unprecedented challenges to our community here on Hawaiʻi Island. With some areas like Kahuku Ranch in Kaʻū seeing nearly 20 inches of rain, and daily records shattered in Hilo, the sheer volume of water was staggering. We have heard the stories of raging rivers where roads used to be, of "walls of water" coming down hillsides, and of the incredible efforts of our local first responders who worked tirelessly to keep everyone safe.

At Soil Plus, our hearts go out to every family and business owner dealing with the aftermath. Whether you are facing a flooded carport, a washed-out driveway, or a garden that has been stripped of its topsoil, we know that the road to recovery can feel overwhelming. We are part of this community, and we want to help you rebuild and restore your property in a way that is resilient and lasting.

Here is a guide to help you navigate the cleanup and restoration process, along with some practical solutions for repairing the damage left behind by the storm.

Managing Flooding and Improving Drainage

One of the most significant issues caused by the Kona Low was the pooling of water around homes and the saturation of yards. When the ground can no longer absorb water, it seeks the path of least resistance, often leading straight to foundations and carports.

If you are looking to improve the drainage around your property to prevent future flooding, creating a French drain or a dry well is a highly effective strategy. These systems help redirect water away from vulnerable areas and allow it to percolate safely into the ground.

For these types of heavy-duty drainage applications, our 1.5" Drain Rock and 2.5" Drain Rock are ideal choices. These crushed, clean gravels are specifically sized to allow for optimal water flow. The 1.5" rock is excellent for standard French drains and muddy roads, while the larger 2.5" rock provides maximum stability and permeability for large-scale landscape drainage and septic systems.

Repairing Washed-Out Driveways and Roads

The relentless rain carved deep trenches into many driveways and private roads across the island, exposing tree roots and breaking apart asphalt. Repairing these surfaces requires materials that will compact tightly and provide a stable, enduring base.

If your driveway has suffered severe erosion, you will need to rebuild the foundation before applying any top layer. Our 3/4" Base Course (often referred to as road base) is perfect for this. It consists of crushed gravel ranging from 3/4" down to fine sand, which allows it to spread evenly and compact tightly under pressure, providing a strong, stable base. For deeper washouts or larger roads, our 2.5" Base Course offers the heavier aggregate needed for maximum stability.

For filling in large, deep holes or general backfill around the yard, our Fill Material—a blend of gravel, soil, and cinder—is a cost-effective solution. Please note, however, that because it contains cinder, it should not be used under building foundations.

Restoring Lost Gardens and Landscaping

The heavy runoff not only damaged structures but also washed away the nutrient-rich topsoil that our island's gardens rely on. If your landscaping has been left bare or your garden beds have been depleted, restoring the health of your soil is the first step toward bringing the green back to your yard.

To replenish lost soil and give your plants the best chance to thrive, we recommend our CTH Blend. This is our most popular soil blend, combining topsoil, red cinder soil, and screened composted macadamia nut husks. It offers excellent nutritional value and is the go-to choice for growing grass, palm trees, and general gardening.

If you are looking to improve the existing soil that remains, top-dressing with our Compost is a wonderful way to breathe life back into your garden. Made from aged macadamia nut husks, it increases the soil's water-holding capacity and boosts essential carbon, potassium, and nitrogen levels.

Finally, to protect your newly restored soil from future heavy rains and to help regulate soil temperature, consider applying a layer of Milled Macadamia Husks. This shredded mulch acts as a protective blanket for your garden beds, retaining moisture and suppressing weed growth while slowly adding nutrients back into the earth.

We Are Here to Help

Recovering from a storm of this magnitude takes time, patience, and the right resources. At Soil Plus, we are committed to providing the materials you need to repair your property and protect it against future weather events.

Whether you need a bulk delivery of drain rock to fix a driveway or a load of compost to save your garden, we are here to support you. You can pick up materials directly from our yard in your truck or trailer, or we can arrange a delivery right to your home.

Please stay safe as you continue your cleanup efforts. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a delivery, do not hesitate to reach out to us at 808-326-9645 or visit us at our Kailua-Kona location. We are in this together, Hawaiʻi Island.