Special Marine Warning Issued for Oahu and Maui County Waters Through Thursday Morning

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Special Marine Warning effective until 7:30 AM HST on March 12, 2026. The alert was triggered by a severe thunderstorm detected by radar.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following marine areas:

• 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, FAD Buoy K, FAD Buoy MC, Kaumalapau Harbor, Hale O Lono Harbor, and FAD Buoy CC.

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.
• Ensure all individuals on board are wearing life jackets.
• Avoid the warning area as waterspouts can easily overturn boats.

Expected Conditions

At 5:34 AM HST, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing waterspouts was located approximately 19 nautical miles southeast of FAD Buoy P, or 36 nautical miles west of Lanai Airport. The storm is moving northeast at 30 knots.

Hazards include:

• Waterspouts: Capable of overturning boats and creating locally hazardous seas.
• Wind: Gusts of 34 knots or greater.
• Seas: Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is in effect immediately as of 5:35 AM HST and is scheduled to expire at 7:30 AM HST on March 12, 2026.