Hurricane Kiko Weakens but Threatens Hawaii with Life-Threatening Rip Currents
As Kiko drifts north of the main islands, state officials declare emergency and warn of dangerous surf and swells
Hurricane Kiko weakened to a Category 2 storm Thursday as it moved northwest toward waters north of the main Hawaiian Islands, prompting a statewide emergency declaration and warnings of large surf and life-threatening rip currents along east-facing shores.
The National Hurricane Center said Kiko had maximum sustained winds of about 100 mph and was expected to continue weakening, likely falling to tropical storm strength by late Monday as it moves over less favorable conditions marked by strong upper-level winds and wind shear. The storm was located less than 500 miles east of Hilo and roughly 675 miles east of Honolulu and was moving northwest at about 14 mph. On that track, Kiko is forecast to pass to the north of the Hawaiian Islands on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke declared a statewide state of emergency over the weekend and said the proclamation would remain in effect through at least Sept. 19 unless extended or terminated sooner. The declaration authorized the Hawaii National Guard to assist local officials and directed state agencies to coordinate response efforts and mobilize resources to clear debris, secure infrastructure and protect public health and safety.
“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. She urged residents and visitors to monitor updates, follow official guidance and prepare accordingly.
Forecasters warned that swells generated by Kiko will gradually build and are expected to peak along east-facing exposures of the islands from late Monday through midweek, even if the storm stays well offshore. The National Hurricane Center and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration stressed that the swells could produce dangerous, life-threatening surf and strong rip currents, conditions that commonly lead to coastal rescues and drownings.
Kiko had been oscillating between Category 3 and 4 strength last week while drawing energy from unusually warm tropical Pacific waters. Since entering the Central Pacific, the storm has encountered a less hospitable environment, with hostile upper-level winds and increasing wind shear contributing to a steady weakening trend.
Officials emphasized that the hazard to Hawaii is primarily from high surf and currents rather than an imminent landfall, but they cautioned that coastal impacts, including beach erosion and hazardous shorebreak, are still possible. Local emergency management agencies continued to monitor conditions and prepare for search-and-rescue and recovery operations if needed.
Beaches in exposed areas had begun to show rising swell and were posting warnings. Authorities advised people to stay out of the water, heed posted signage, avoid rocky shorelines, and secure loose objects that could be swept away by large waves.
The National Hurricane Center will continue issuing regular advisories on Kiko’s intensity and track. Residents and visitors were encouraged to follow updates from the NHC, NOAA, and local emergency management offices as the storm approaches and to follow any evacuation or safety orders issued by county officials.
