Hawaii’s northern offshore waters are facing dangerous weather as hurricane conditions set in early this week. Mariners are urged to take precautions as high winds, rough seas, and thunderstorms develop Monday into Tuesday, with conditions expected to stay unsettled through midweek.
Hurricane Warning in Effect
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Hurricane Warning for northern waters east of 154W and north of 20N. The most severe weather is expected Monday and Tuesday, with seas building up to 12 feet and isolated thunderstorms adding to the hazards.
Tropical Storm Conditions Expanding Westward
By Wednesday, tropical storm–force winds and rough seas will likely spread westward, especially in waters east of 160W and north of 23N. While the core of the system may shift away later in the week, hazardous marine conditions will remain.
Coast Guard Safety Advice
The Coast Guard is urging all mariners, from small craft to commercial operators, to take immediate precautions:
Secure moorings and equipment before the storm arrives
Stay in port until weather conditions improve
Avoid unnecessary travel during periods of high winds and heavy seas
Monitor official forecasts for rapid changes in conditions
Conditions Later This Week
Even after the storm’s strongest phase passes, winds of 15 to 25 knots and seas of 6 to 8 feet are expected by Thursday. This means small craft advisories and rough marine conditions could continue into the late week. Additional warnings may be issued as the system shifts westward.
What This Means for Hawaii
While the worst of the storm is offshore, the impacts for Hawaii’s maritime community are significant. Shipping routes, fishing operations, and local boating activities could all face delays or cancellations until seas calm down. For now, safety and preparedness remain the top priority for anyone navigating Hawaii’s northern waters.
