Special Marine Warning Issued for Kauai Channel and Leeward Waters Until 8:45 AM HST

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Honolulu HI has issued a Special Marine Warning for the Kauai region. The alert was issued at 6:48 AM HST on March 13, 2026, following radar detection of showers moving through the area. The alert is classified as having severe impact and immediate urgency.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions:

• Kauai Channel
• Kauai Leeward Waters

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

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 to remain safe during the storm.
• Ensure all individuals on board are wearing life jackets.
• Small craft should avoid the area as they could be damaged by suddenly higher waves and wind gusts.

Expected Conditions

At 6:47 AM HST, radar indicated showers located along a line extending from near FAD Buoy PP to 38 nm southeast of the Southern Tip of Niihau. The system is moving northeast at 10 knots.

Hazards include:

• Wind gusts reaching up to 40 knots.
• Suddenly higher waves.
• Steep and fast-building seas.
• Blinding downpours.

Timeline

The warning is effective immediately as of 6:48 AM HST on Friday, March 13, 2026. The alert is expected to remain in effect until 8:45 AM HST.