Special Marine Warning Issued for Maui County Waters and Surrounding Channels

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Special Marine Warning for several maritime regions in Hawaii. The alert was issued at 7:05 AM HST on March 11 and is effective immediately.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions:

• Kaiwi Channel
• Maui County Leeward Waters
• Maalaea Bay
• Pailolo Channel
• Alenuihaha Channel

Specific locations impacted include FAD Buoy HS, FAD Buoy MC, Manele Harbor, FAD Buoy LA, Kaumalapau Harbor, Molokini, FAD Buoy JJ, and Shipwreck Beach.

Expected Conditions

At 7:02 AM HST, radar indicated severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts. These storms were located along a line extending from near Hoolehua to 10 nautical miles south of FAD Buoy MC, moving northeast at 10 knots.

Hazards include:

• Waterspouts: Capable of easily overturning boats and creating locally hazardous seas.
• Wind: Gusts of 34 knots or greater.
• Seas: Suddenly higher waves and steep, fast-building sea conditions.
• Visibility: Blinding downpours are expected within the storm line.

What You Should Do

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

• Prepare for gusty winds and rapidly deteriorating sea conditions.
• Stay low or go below deck to avoid hazards.
• Ensure all persons on board are wearing life jackets.
• Small craft should seek safe harbor as they could be damaged by sudden high winds and waves.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is currently in effect and is scheduled to expire at 9:00 AM HST on March 11, 2026.