Nolo intensifies into category 4 hurricane well south of main Hawaiian Islands

News admin September 28, 2026 0 Comments

Nolo intensifies into category 4 hurricane well south of main Hawaiian Islands

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hurricane Nolo has strengthened into a major category 4 system as it continues tracking westward, well south of the main Hawaiian Islands.

The National Hurricane Center said at 5 p.m. Sunday, Nolo was 380 miles south-southwest of Honolulu, or 655 miles southeast of French Frigate Shoals, and was moving to the west at 12 miles per hour.

Nolo’s maximum sustained winds increased to 145 miles per hour. Hurricane force winds extend up to 35 miles from the center, while tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 150 miles.

A turn toward the northwest is expected by tonight, with this general motion continuing through Tuesday.

Nolo is now a threat to part of the Papahānaumokuakea Marine National Monument. A hurricane watch has been issued for the islands of Nihoa westward through French Frigate Shoals.

Potential threats

WIND: Strong and gusty winds are possible for the main Hawaiian Islands through Sunday afternoon. Hurricane conditions are possible in the hurricane watch area of Papahānaumokuakea Marine National Monument by Wednesday, with tropical storm conditions possible by Tuesday.

SURF: Swells generated by Nolo are affecting south-facing shores of the main Hawaiian Islands through the next few days. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Large surf associated with Nolo will affect the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument beginning on Monday. These large waves will likely inundate some of the low-lying atolls, especially from French Frigate Shoals to Nihoa.

Weather Alerts

A Wind Advisory is in effect until 6 a.m. Monday for portions of Oahu, the island of Molokai, parts of Maui and the Kohala and North Kona areas of Hawaii Island. East winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts near 50 miles per hour will be possible.

A High Surf Advisory is in effect for the east shores of Kauai and Oahu through 6 a.m. Monday.