Hurricane Kiko Approaches Hawaii; State of Emergency Declared as Life-Threatening Surf and Flooding Threaten Islands

Hurricane Kiko was closing in on Hawaii on Monday as state and local officials issued a statewide emergency proclamation and warned residents to prepare for life-threatening surf, dangerous rip currents and the potential for flooding.

The storm was a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph, moving northwest at about 14 mph. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasted that Kiko should maintain that general course over the next few days and was expected to weaken to a tropical storm by late Monday. On that track, the NHC said Kiko is most likely to pass north of the main Hawaiian Islands on Tuesday and Wednesday, with model guidance showing several possible paths including a route near or just south of the Big Island before it moves northwest across the central Pacific.

State Acting Governor Sylvia Luke signed a proclamation on Friday declaring a state of emergency that will remain in effect through Sept. 19. The order activates the Hawaii National Guard, frees state disaster funds and temporarily suspends certain procurement and regulatory laws to speed any storm response. "To ensure the safety and preparedness of our communities, the state and counties will stand ready to mobilize resources to clear debris, secure infrastructure, and respond quickly to any possible damage caused by the storm," Luke said, urging residents and visitors to monitor updates and follow official guidance.

While the NHC indicated the risk of direct impacts on the islands has diminished, forecasters cautioned that hazardous surf and dangerous rip currents remain likely. The National Weather Service office in Honolulu posted on X that swell will build on Monday and peak along east-facing shores Monday night and Tuesday, producing life-threatening surf and waves up to 15 feet in places. Officials also warned of the potential for dangerous flooding beginning Tuesday, particularly where surf and rainfall coincide.

The NHC said there is currently less than a 10% chance that tropical-storm-force winds will reach the islands, and no tropical storm watches are required or expected at this time. Nevertheless, local emergency managers continued preparations and public outreach in case the forecast shifts. Honolulu's Department of Emergency Management said staff spent the weekend working to improve communications systems so shelter locations, closures and other alerts can be disseminated rapidly.

Residents were urged to stock essential supplies and make household preparations, and tourists were advised to monitor flight and hotel notices for possible cancellations. Matthew Wells, communications director for the American Red Cross Pacific Islands Region, said preparedness remains the best protection. Honolulu Deputy Emergency Manager Jennifer Walter likened advance preparations to "getting your house ready" even if an approaching storm ultimately spares the islands.

Kiko is the 11th named system of the eastern Pacific season, which runs from May 15 through Nov. 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had earlier forecast a below-normal eastern Pacific season, projecting 12 to 18 named storms, five to 10 hurricanes, and up to five major hurricanes. With several months remaining in the season, forecasters said they would continue to track Kiko and any shifts in intensity or track that could alter impacts for the Hawaiian Islands.