Mandatory water restrictions have been lifted in central and south Maui, with the return of rains in these Valley Isle regions. The Maui County Department of Water Supply said Friday (Dec. 5) that recent rainfall events improved surface water flow.

The department said it will continue to monitor water supply levels to determine if Stage 1 measures need to be reinstated. “While recent rains have helped, this suspension reflects the community’s commitment to responsible water use,” DWS Director John Stufflebean said.

“Maintaining careful water management is essential for a reliable and sustainable supply for Maui, and we commend residents for their continued vigilance.”

The department issued a Stage 1 water shortage for central and south Maui, including Wailuku, Kahului, Kihei and Wailea on Sept. 3, 2024, due to a strain on water resources during the summer. The 2024-2025 season on Maui ranked as the third driest in the last 30 years, behind 2007 and 2010.

Under the Stage 1 restrictions, irrigation was allowed for no more than two days a week, filling or refilling ornamental ponds was prohibited, and customers were required to repair any leaks, breaks or faulty sprinklers within 5 days of receiving a notice from the department.

The National Weather Service in November predicted the likelihood of parts of Maui receiving big rains in the next few months, as La Niña weather patterns weaken in the Pacific creating wetter than normal conditions.

Weather Service lead forecaster Derek Wroe said there was a better probability of significant rainfall in the Hawaiian Islands from November 2025 through January 2026. If the wetter conditions arise, drought conditions affecting about 70 percent of the state may ease significantly or even end by the close of the wet season.

In early November, Maui County saw daily rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches in some areas. Notable rainfall was seen in West Wailuaiki with 5 to 9 inches Nov. 10-14, and Pu’u Kukui in West Maui recorded more than 7 inches on Nov. 12-13, setting the state’s highest monthly total at 37.66 inches, the Weather Service said.