Special Marine Warning for Kauai Channel and Leeward Waters Until 7:00 AM HST

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Special Marine Warning for the Kauai Channel and Kauai Leeward Waters. This alert is effective immediately following radar detection of severe weather in the region.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic areas:

• Kauai Channel
• Kauai Leeward Waters

Specific locations impacted include FAD Buoy CK, Makahuena Point, Lehua Rock, FAD Buoy KK, FAD Buoy PP, the Southern Tip of Niihau, FAD Buoy AA, and FAD Buoy Z.

What You Should Do

Mariners and residents in the affected areas should take the following precautions:

• Prepare for gusty winds, steep and fast-building seas, and blinding downpours.
• Stay low or go below deck.
• Ensure all individuals on board are wearing life jackets.
• Avoid the area if possible until conditions improve.

Expected Conditions

At 5:02 AM HST, radar indicated severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts. These storms were located along a line extending from the Southern Tip of Niihau to 55 nm southwest of FAD Buoy PP, moving northeast at 20 knots.

Primary hazards include:

• Waterspouts: Capable of easily overturning boats and creating locally hazardous seas.
• Wind: Gusts of 34 knots or greater.
• Waves: Suddenly higher waves that could damage small craft.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is in effect from 5:02 AM HST until 7:00 AM HST on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.