Hawaii Hurricane & Storm Alerts

Hurricane Special Alerts & Notices for the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Hurricane & Storm Related Updates

Monitoring Hurricane Fausto

Updated July 24, 2026, at 9:50 a.m. HST: The National Hurricane Center says Fausto is forecast to approach the Hawaiian Islands early to mid-next week. Although the storm is expected to weaken, the risk of some wind and rainfall impacts is increasing. It remains too early to know the exact location or magnitude of those impacts.

No tropical cyclone watch or warning is in effect for Hawaii at this update. This is a reason to monitor the forecast and protect flexible plans, not a reason to cancel a trip today.

NWS Honolulu says the current forecast brings a weaker Fausto or its remnants near the western half of the island chain around the middle of next week. Long-period swell may reach east-facing shores before the storm's closest approach, so beach and boating conditions could change earlier than inland weather.

What visitors should do now: keep airline and lodging alerts on, avoid adding tight nonrefundable connections for next week, and check the official forecast at least daily. If a Hawaii watch or warning is issued, follow county emergency managers, your lodging provider, and airline instructions.

Open the latest Hurricane Fausto five-day forecast cone on NOAA's website National Hurricane Center five-day forecast cone for Hurricane Fausto approaching the Hawaiian Islands
Official NOAA/NHC forecast cone. This image refreshes automatically when NHC issues a new advisory; the advisory time is printed inside the map. The cone shows the probable path of the storm's center, not the size of the storm or every place that could experience impacts.

Open all Fausto forecast graphics  ·  Read the NWS Honolulu forecast discussion

Official Hawaii storm sources

Hawai'i
Visitor Guide
2026
HAWAIʻI GUIDE

Get Your Free Hawai'i Guide

Instant access — opens immediately

  • Beaches, activities & top spots
  • Restaurant & dining recommendations
  • Maps, itineraries & insider tips

Want the full offline version? Get the Complete Hawai'i Guidebook →

What watches and warnings mean

  • A hurricane or tropical storm watch means those conditions are possible. NHC normally issues a watch about 48 hours before the anticipated arrival of tropical-storm-force winds.
  • A hurricane or tropical storm warning means those conditions are expected. NHC normally issues a warning about 36 hours before tropical-storm-force winds are anticipated.

If a watch is issued, review your plan and confirm where your lodging directs guests. If a warning is issued, follow county emergency instructions and do not drive, hike, or enter the ocean to see worsening conditions. See the official NHC definitions.

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane's sustained wind speed. This scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and damage. Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous, however, and require preventative measures. In the western North Pacific, the term "super typhoon" is used for tropical cyclones with sustained winds exceeding 150 mph.

Category

Sustained Winds

Types of Damage Due to Hurricane Winds

1

74-95 mph
64-82 kt
119-153 km/h

Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.

2

96-110 mph
83-95 kt
154-177 km/h

Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.

3 (major)

111-129 mph
96-112 kt
178-208 km/h

Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.

4 (major)

130-156 mph
113-136 kt
209-251 km/h

Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

5 (major)

157 mph or higher
137 kt or higher
252 km/h or higher

Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

Source: National Hurricane Center

Additional Resources

Information disclaimer: Tropical cyclone forecasts can change with every advisory. HawaiiGuide summarizes official information for visitor planning, but NOAA, NWS Honolulu, and county emergency officials are the authorities for forecasts and protective instructions. Check the Central Pacific Hurricane Center before making a weather-sensitive travel decision.

John C. Derrick

Published by: John C. Derrick

Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years in Hawai'i tourism, University of South Carolina climate-research training, and NOAA weather-station experience.

Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you book or buy through links on this page. See our Ad Disclosures & Standards.