Special Marine Warning Issued for Maui County Waters and Channels Through Wednesday Morning

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Honolulu HI has issued a Special Marine Warning for several maritime regions in Hawaii. The alert was issued following radar detection of severe thunderstorms moving through the area.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions and channels:

• Alenuihaha Channel
• Kaiwi Channel
• Maui County Leeward Waters
• Maui County Windward Waters
• Pailolo Channel

Impacted locations include Laau Point, Kalaupapa, Cape Halawa, Shipwreck Beach, Ilio Point, and FAD Buoys K, O, and MC.

What You Should Do

Mariners and residents in the affected areas should take immediate 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 as waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas.

Expected Conditions

At 5:10 AM HST, radar indicated severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts located along a line moving northeast at 10 knots. Hazards include:

• Waterspouts: Capable of overturning boats and creating sudden hazardous seas.
• Wind: Gusts of 34 knots or greater.
• Visibility: Blinding downpours are expected.
• Seas: Small craft could be damaged by briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is effective as of 5:11 AM HST on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The alert is currently scheduled to expire at 7:15 AM HST.