Honolulu, Hawaii – Dangerous marine conditions are developing across Hawaii’s offshore waters as strengthening easterly winds and rough seas build into Monday, creating hazardous conditions for mariners through at least midweek. Periods of thunderstorms and large swells will combine with strong to near-gale-force winds, increasing the risk for small craft and offshore operations.
According to the National Weather Service, a surface low northwest of Kauai is drifting southwest while high pressure remains locked in far northeast of the islands. This tight pressure gradient is driving east-southeast winds into the 15 to 30 knot range, with occasional gusts approaching gale force Monday and Tuesday. Seas are expected to range from 10 to 15 feet north of 22 degrees north latitude, and 7 to 14 feet farther south.
Scattered to numerous thunderstorms are possible through Tuesday, capable of producing sudden gusts, rougher seas, and reduced visibility. Conditions begin to slowly ease Wednesday, but elevated seas near 9 to 12 feet and lingering thunderstorms will continue to pose risks, especially south of the state’s offshore waters.
Boaters are urged to closely monitor weather updates, secure vessels, and avoid unnecessary travel in open waters during periods of strongest winds. Additional marine advisories or warnings may be issued as conditions evolve through the middle of the week.
