Editor’s note: This story was updated on July 27, 2026, at 5:20 p.m.
Significant surf is expected for Hawaiʻi as the National Weather Service downgrades Fausto to a tropical storm.
Although data from an Air Force Reconnaissance aircraft found Tropical Storm Fausto is weakening, the National Weather Service has issued a high surf warning for east-facing shores of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau, currently in effect through 6 p.m. Wednesday. The warning may be extended, dropped, or modified as conditions develop.
The National Weather Service reports that a building east swell from Hurricane Fausto will cause surf heights to build today and peak Tuesday, bringing very strong breaking waves and powerful currents.
Surf heights along east-facing beaches are projected to reach 12 to 16 feet. Along with rough surf, Kaua‘i County officials say residents can expect breezy trade winds, periods of showers, and the potential for stronger winds and heavy rainfall as the system passes.
The hurricane is moving toward the west-northwest near 16 mph, and a general westward to west-northwestward motion is expected to continue for the next several days, along with maximum sustained winds remaining near 70 mph with higher gusts, which is down from 75 mph at 11 a.m.
But hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles.
Surf generated by Fausto will continue to build westward across Hawai‘i along exposed east-facing shores through Tuesday as the storm approaches and begins to pass north of the islands, according to the National Weather Service. Large surf and strong currents will lead to dangerous conditions along exposed shores.
Be prepared
The National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu and Kauaʻi County officials urge the public to prepare regardless of potential impacts and storm track.
They offered several preparation pointers:
- Check your emergency kits and fill up on supplies — 14 days of food, water and medications.
- Check in with family and friends: How you will get in contact and where you will go during an emergency or evacuation?
- Know your zone: Check if you are in a flood prone area or exposed to strong winds.
- Prepare your home: Trim trees, clean gutters, seal gaps and bring in loose outdoor items.
- Check insurance policy and have information handy.
Shipping firm Young Brothers is keeping a close eye on Fausto, reporting Saturday afternoon it had not changed any shipping schedules. However, it anticipates increased harbor surge caused by Fausto could cause potential delays or impede the company’s ability to safely berth, ramp or discharge barges.
Should conditions warrant, county services and facilities may close with little to no advance notice, depending on the severity of the storm and its effects. County, State, and federal officials will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate in preparation for this potential event.
The county may open potential refuge areas across the island if forecasts and conditions warrant. KEMA released an updated Potential Refuge Area List in May, available online at www.kauai.gov/kema, which identifies facilities that may be considered for use during emergencies. Not every facility on the list will be opened during every emergency, and additional public or private facilities may also be activated depending on the incident and operational needs. If refuge areas are activated for this event, KEMA will issue media releases, update the county website and its Refuge Area Status Page, and, as appropriate, send notifications through the county’s Everbridge emergency notification system.
The public is reminded that refuge areas are evacuation options of last resort. In many cases, sheltering in place may be a good option to consider, particularly if the home or structure is sound or hardened and located outside hazardous flood and storm-surge areas. Refuge areas do not provide food, water, bedding, medications, personal caregivers, or medical staff, and anyone going to a refuge area should bring their own disaster supply “go kit.” Household pets are welcome at all designated facilities, though owners must bring their own pet food, water, and crates or cages.
Officials remind the public to use 911 only for life-threatening or time-critical emergencies. Calls to 911 for weather updates or general road conditions can significantly delay emergency response. For road status and closures, call 808-241-1725. To report non-emergency road hazards, contact KPD Dispatch at 808-241-1711. For weather information, call the National Weather Service automated line at 808-245-6001 or visit www.weather.gov/hfo.
Officials note that Kūhiō Highway near the Hanalei Bridge may be closed with little or no advance notice, particularly if a Flash Flood Warning is issued. Utilities and other services may also be disrupted.
Standard tips to prepare for power outages from Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative include:
- Use surge protectors to protect your appliances and equipment.
- Turn off and unplug all unnecessary appliances or equipment.
- Keep a portable battery-powered radio and flashlights with extra batteries on hand.
- Stay away from downed lines and report them to 911.
- Contact KIUC at 808-246-4300 to update your contact information and receive alerts.
The public is advised to check conditions before venturing out for hiking, river, or beach excursions. River and stream crossings, recreational trails, and other outdoor recreation areas may quickly become hazardous. During severe weather, emergency rescues may not be possible. Do not cross swollen rivers or streams, and always check with a lifeguard at any lifeguard station before entering the ocean.
Know before you go. For up-to-date information about Kauaʻi ocean conditions and safety, speak to a county lifeguard, visit www.safebeachday.com, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.
To stay updated, tune in to local media broadcast channels for the most current information. The following resources are available for emergency preparedness information:
- Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency – www.kauai.gov/kema.
- National Weather Service – www.weather.gov/hfo, or automated weather line at 808-245-6001.
- Road and closure conditions – 808-241-1725.
- Do not call 911 unless it is an emergency.
To sign up for Everbridge, the County’s emergency notification service, please visit www.kauai.gov/kema and click on “Notification Services.” You may also call the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.
Marine information
The U.S. Coast Guard also set Port Heavy Weather Condition Whiskey for all commercial ports throughout Hawaiʻi, which went into effect on Friday because of possible gale force winds generated by Fausto during the next several days.
Port facilities are open to all commercial traffic and all transfer operations can continue, however all pleasure craft should seek sheltered waters. Operators of vessels 200 gross tons and greater should plan to depart port. The ports captain might direct departures to reduce the number of vessels in port.
Vessels that desire to remain in port must submit a safe mooring plan and receive written permission from the ports captain and Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Harbors Division.
Requests should be submitted immediately. Requests received after Port Condition X-Ray might not be considered. Send requests to D14-DG-SH-SecHono-MTSRU@uscg.mil and HawaiiDistrict.heavyweather.request@hawaii.gov.
Vessels transiting within the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands should seek sheltered waters and anticipate additional restrictions and possible port closures as conditions progress. The ports captain can restrict operations of or deny port entry to vessels transporting oil or certain hazardous materials.
If and when Port Condition Yankee is set because sustained tropical storm force winds of 39 mph are expected within 24 hours, ports are closed to incoming traffic without specific approval from the ports captain.
Contact the Maritime Transportation System Recovery Unit via email at D14-DG-SH-SecHono-MTSRU@uscg.mil or U.S. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center at 1-800-552 6458 for additional information and questions about port services and closings.
