Hurricane Kiko Weakens, Forecast to Pass North of Hawaii; Dangerous Surf Remains a Concern

HONOLULU — A weakening Hurricane Kiko was expected to pass north of the Hawaiian Islands in the coming days, reducing the threat of direct wind and rainfall impacts but raising concerns about hazardous surf and rip currents along east-facing shores, forecasters said Sunday.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami said Kiko was centered about 635 miles (1,025 kilometers) east of Hilo on the Big Island and was moving west-northwest at 13 mph (20 kph). Maximum sustained winds had fallen to 110 mph (175 kph) on Sunday, down from 120 mph (195 kph) on Saturday, and more weakening was forecast as the storm moves over cooler waters. The center projected the hurricane would pass north of the islands Tuesday and Wednesday.

No coastal watches or warnings were in effect for the state on Sunday. Despite the easing risk of direct impacts, the hurricane center urged residents and visitors in Hawaii to continue monitoring the storm's progress and official updates.

Forecasters warned of potentially life-threatening rip currents and surf, particularly along east-facing shores, with waves expected to reach 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) in some locations. Officials cautioned beachgoers and small-boat operators to be vigilant and to heed local advisories.

The hurricane's weakening trend was attributed to its expected passage over progressively cooler ocean waters, which typically reduce the energy available to sustain a tropical cyclone. The National Hurricane Center's forecast guidance indicated a continued gradual decline in intensity through the middle of the week as the system moves northwestward.

Emergency management officials in Hawaii had taken a watchful stance but had not issued state-level evacuation orders or broad emergency declarations as of Sunday. Local authorities continued to prepare for surf-driven impacts, including potential coastal erosion and dangerous nearshore conditions.

Kiko formed in the eastern Pacific and strengthened into a major hurricane before beginning its gradual weakening. While the storm's core is forecast to remain north of the islands, officials emphasized that hazardous marine conditions can extend well away from the center and can affect shorelines even when direct wind and rain impacts are limited.

Residents and visitors were advised to follow updates from the National Hurricane Center, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, and local emergency management agencies for the latest forecasts and safety guidance as the system approaches the region.