As of 5 AM HST Monday, Hurricane Kiko downgrades to a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph. The storm is located about 410 miles east of Hilo and is moving west-northwest at 15 mph. Kiko is expected to weaken into a tropical storm later today but will still pass north of the main Hawaiian Islands between Tuesday and Wednesday.
While there are currently no coastal watches or warnings in effect for land areas, the National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Hawaiian offshore waters beyond 40 nautical miles out to 240 nautical miles. This includes areas within the Papahฤnaumokuฤkea Marine National Monument east of French Frigate Shoals. Mariners in these zones should prepare for tropical-storm-force winds and rough seas.
Significant wave heights โ which represent the average height of the tallest one-third of waves โ will rise across these offshore areas. Individual waves may be more than twice as high, posing serious hazards for vessels and small craft. Closer to shore, surf along east-facing beaches across the islands is already starting to build due to swells generated by Kiko. Surf is expected to peak later today through midweek, potentially reaching dangerous levels capable of producing life-threatening rip currents.
