Acting Governor Sylvia Luke on Friday declared a statewide emergency in Hawaii as Hurricane Kiko moves across the eastern Pacific and is expected to bring tropical storm conditions, heavy surf, and heavy rain to parts of the islands by early next week.
Key Takeaways
- Statewide emergency declared by acting Governor Sylvia Luke on Friday, Sept. 6, 2025.
- Hurricane Kiko was a Category 3 storm about 1,000 miles east of Hawaii as of Saturday afternoon.
- Forecast models show gradual weakening over 24 to 48 hours and further rapid weakening near cooler waters and dry air.
- Officials expect the system to likely be a tropical storm when it comes closest to the islands, with main hazards of high surf and rip currents.
- Swells from Kiko were forecast to reach the Big Island and Maui by Sunday and peak on east facing shores early to mid next week.
- The proclamation authorizes the Hawaii National Guard, activates the Major Disaster Fund, and temporarily suspends select state rules to speed response.
- A disaster emergency relief period was set through Sept. 19 unless changed.
Verified Facts
On Sept. 6, 2025, acting Governor Sylvia Luke issued a formal emergency proclamation covering the entire state to mobilize resources and streamline response actions. The declaration empowers state agencies to coordinate with county officials and allows the National Guard to assist civilian authorities.
As of Saturday afternoon, Hurricane Kiko was assessed as a Category 3 hurricane roughly 1,000 miles east of the Hawaiian Islands. Forecast guidance indicates the storm will weaken gradually over the next 24 to 48 hours and is expected to weaken more rapidly as it moves into cooler sea surface temperatures and encounters drier air near Hawaii.
Most forecasts project Kiko will track north of the main Hawaiian islands and likely be at tropical storm strength when closest to the state early next week. Because of that shift and the expected weakening, forecasters emphasize indirect effects such as swell driven surf and strong rip currents as the primary hazards for many shorelines.
Context and Impact
Hawaii has a long history of preparing for tropical systems that either pass nearby or make direct landfall. Even storms that remain offshore can produce large, dangerous surf that damages coastal infrastructure, erodes beaches, and poses risk to swimmers and surfers.
Local authorities are prioritizing clearing debris, securing vulnerable infrastructure, and positioning response teams and equipment. Suspension of certain procurement, public works, and environmental rules is intended to speed deployment of emergency services and repairs during the declared period.
Visitors and residents are urged to check county and state advisories, secure loose outdoor items, and have a short term supply kit ready. Lifeguards and county officials typically increase patrols and issue localized beach closures if conditions warrant.
Official Statements
To ensure the safety and preparedness of our communities, the state and counties will stand ready to mobilize resources to clear debris, secure infrastructure, and respond quickly to any possible damage caused by the storm. We urge residents and visitors to monitor updates and prepare accordingly.
Sylvia Luke, Acting Governor of Hawaii
Unconfirmed
- Exact track and intensity changes remain subject to normal forecast uncertainty and could shift with future model runs.
- Timing and severity of surf impacts at specific beaches are variable and depend on final storm track and local bathymetry.
Bottom Line
Hawaii has declared a statewide emergency as a precaution while Hurricane Kiko approaches. Current forecasts favor a weakening storm that will likely pose the greatest risk through large surf and rip currents rather than widespread wind damage, but residents and visitors should monitor official updates and follow local guidance.