Update: New special marine warning issued for leeward waters of Kaua‘i

Update at 9 a.m. on Dec. 19, 2025: A new special marine warning for Kaua‘i leeward waters is now in place till 10 a.m.

At 8:23 a.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing waterspouts was located near Barking Sands, moving northeast at 15 knots. Kikiaola Harbor could be impacted.

Waterspouts, wind gusts 34 knots or greater, and small hail are expected.

Original post: A special marine warning has been issued for leeward and northwest waters of Kaua‘i until 8:30 a.m.

At 6:24 a.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing waterspouts was located 7 nm west of Southern Tip of Ni‘ihau, or 35 nm southwest of Barking Sands, moving east at 15 knots, according to radar from the National Weather Service in Honolulu.

Waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas. Small craft could be damaged by brief higher winds and sudden higher waves.