Special Marine Warning Issued for Maui County and Big Island Waters Through 9:45 PM HST

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Honolulu HI has issued a Special Marine Warning (MAW) for several Hawaiian marine zones. This alert was triggered by radar-indicated severe thunderstorms moving through the area.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions:

• Alenuihaha Channel
• Big Island Leeward Waters
• Maalaea Bay
• Maui County Leeward Waters

Specific locations impacted include Lahaina Harbor, Molokini, and FAD Buoys HS, LA, JJ, GG, Nl, and SO.

What You Should Do

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

• Seek Safe Harbor: Move to a safe location immediately.
• Safety Gear: Ensure everyone on board is wearing a life jacket.
• Take Cover: Stay low or go below deck to avoid hazardous conditions.
• Be Alert: Thunderstorms can produce sudden waterspouts which can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas.

Expected Conditions

At 7:50 PM HST, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Molokini to 28 nm southwest of FAD Buoy JJ, moving northeast at 45 knots.

• Wind: Gusts in excess of 50 knots are expected.
• Hazards: Steep and fast-building seas, blinding downpours, and potential waterspouts.
• Impact: Boats could suffer significant structural damage. Small craft are at risk of capsizing in suddenly higher waves.

Timeline

The alert is effective as of 7:51 PM HST on March 13, 2026. The warning is currently scheduled to expire at 9:45 PM HST on March 13, 2026.