Special Marine Warning Issued for Oahu and Maui County Waters Through 9:30 AM HST

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Special Marine Warning for multiple marine channels and coastal waters across Hawaii. The alert was issued at 7:31 AM HST on March 12, 2026, following radar detection of severe weather conditions.

Affected Areas

The warning encompasses the following geographic regions:

• Oahu Windward and Leeward Waters
• Kaiwi Channel
• Maui County Windward and Leeward Waters
• Maalaea Bay
• Pailolo Channel
• Alenuihaha Channel

Specific locations impacted include Cape Halawa, Mokulua Islands, Ilio Point, Kaumalapau Harbor, Hale O Lono Harbor, and FAD Buoys K, MC, and CC.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to take immediate safety precautions:

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

Expected Conditions

As of 7:29 AM HST, radar indicated an area of heavy showers and embedded strong thunderstorms extending from the windward waters of Oahu to Molokai. Additional strong storms were located southwest of Lanai. The system is moving toward the northeast at 30 knots.

Primary Hazards:

• Wind: Gusts up to 40 knots.
• Impact: Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is effective immediately and is currently set to expire at 9:30 AM HST on March 12, 2026.