A new state of emergency has been declared in Hawaii as Hurricane Kiko, a powerful Category 3 storm, approaches the islands. Residents are being urged to prepare for heavy rain, dangerous surf, and potential flooding as the storm nears.
HONOLULU, HI – The Pacific has been put on high alert as Hurricane Kiko, a powerful and slow-moving storm, continues its trek toward the Hawaiian Islands, prompting a state of emergency across the entire archipelago.
While forecasters anticipate a significant weakening of the storm before its closest approach, residents and officials are taking no chances, preparing for potential impacts from heavy rain, dangerous surf, and high winds.
Kiko’s Path and Projected Weakening
As of Saturday, September 6, 2025, Hurricane Kiko was churning as a Category 3 storm in the Eastern Pacific, approximately 1,300 miles east-southeast of Honolulu.
The hurricane has demonstrated a fluctuating intensity, having previously reached a formidable Category 4 status before briefly weakening.
It is currently moving westward at a speed of about 9 mph, a path that will bring it into the Central Pacific basin over the weekend.
Forecasters with the National Hurricane Center and local officials in Hawaii are confident that Kiko will lose a significant amount of its punch as it approaches the islands early to mid-next week.
This anticipated weakening is attributed to several factors, including cooler sea surface temperatures and an increase in hostile upper-level winds and dry air along the storm’s projected path.
Despite this, Kiko may remain a powerful tropical storm, and its close proximity to the islands means potential for severe weather remains.
The storm’s small size, with hurricane-force winds extending only about 25 miles from its center, means a slight deviation in its track could have a dramatic impact on the weather that hits land.
Hawaii Declares State of Emergency
In a proactive measure, acting Governor Sylvia Luke declared a statewide emergency proclamation, mobilizing state agencies and the Hawaii National Guard to be ready to respond to any possible damage.
The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) and county-level agencies, such as the Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), have been urging residents to finalize their hurricane preparedness plans.
Officials are emphasizing the “Two Weeks Ready” concept, advising households to have enough supplies including water, non-perishable food, and medications to sustain themselves and their pets for at least 14 days. Residents are also encouraged to have “go-bags” ready in case of evacuation orders.
The Looming Threat of High Surf and Flooding
While damaging winds may be a lower risk due to the storm’s expected weakening, the primary threats from Hurricane Kiko remain heavy rainfall and life-threatening surf.
Swells generated by the hurricane are expected to begin reaching the Big Island and Maui by Sunday, with surf heights potentially reaching High Surf Warning levels by Monday night.
The National Weather Service has warned that these conditions could lead to life-threatening rip currents, and inexperienced swimmers and surfers are strongly advised to stay out of the ocean.
In addition, heavy rains associated with the storm could overwhelm drainage systems, leading to flash flooding in low-lying areas and a risk of mudslides in susceptible regions.
The coming days will be critical as Kiko continues its journey across the Pacific. Hawaii’s residents are reminded to stay vigilant, monitor official weather advisories, and be prepared for what could be a significant weather event for the state.
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