Hurricane Kiko Threatens Hawaii wiht Dangerous Surf as it Passes North
HONOLULU, HI - September 8, 2025 – Hawaii is bracing for hazardous surf conditions as Hurricane Kiko, once a major Category 4 storm, approaches the islands. while a direct hit is now unlikely, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that east-facing coastal areas could experience dangerous surf and rip currents beginning today and continuing through the week.
Developing as a tropical depression on August 31, 2025, Kiko rapidly intensified into a major hurricane as it moved west across the eastern Pacific. Tho the storm has weakened, its proximity to the state necessitates readiness and caution. The potential for dangerous surf, even as Kiko diminishes, highlights the broad impact hurricanes can have beyond just wind and rain.
As of 1:30 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time (23:30 Universal Time) on September 7, the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the Suomi NPP satellite captured images of Kiko approximately 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) east of Hilo. At that time,the NHC reported sustained winds of 110 miles (175 kilometers) per hour,classifying Kiko as a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson wind scale. The storm had previously reached Category 3 and 4 strength,with peak sustained winds of 145 miles (230 kilometers) per hour on September 4.
Cool water temperatures and moderate vertical wind shear are contributing factors to Kiko’s weakening trend, according to the NHC. Forecasters now expect Kiko to continue northwest, weakening to a tropical storm as it passes north of the Hawaiian Islands on September 9 and 10. While the state may avoid the previously anticipated damaging winds and widespread heavy rain, the threat of dangerous surf remains. The NHC continues to monitor the storm and provide updates as conditions evolve.
