Seasonal· Kauai· Hawaii

Kauai Hurricane and Kona Storm Season

21° 57.3′ N · 159° 21.4′ W

At the western end of the chain, Kauai is the island most exposed to hurricanes - the Coast Pilot counts at least four direct hits since 1842, including Dot (1959) and Iniki (1992) - and in September 2026 Hurricane Lowell closed Na Pali and Polihale.

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Coast Pilot: eastern North Pacific hurricanes are prevalent May-November and have reached Hawaii from July through November, August being the most likely month; since 1842 Kauai has had at least four direct impacts; Iniki (September 12, 1992, winds about 125 knots, gusts 150) did its worst ocean damage on the south shore. The Central Pacific season is officially June 1 to November 30 (see Hawaii area overview). In 2026 State Parks closed Na Pali and Polihale from September 4 for Hurricane Lowell; DOBOR separately lists Kikiaola and Kukuiula closed and Port Allen limited (ramp only) due to heavy-surf damage (notices updated through October 5, 2026; cause not attributed to a named storm). Nawiliwili is the island's only shelter in almost all weather, but there is no haul-out yard for larger yachts - have a plan to leave for Honolulu or to sea well ahead of a storm. Tsunami: on a warning, vacate shallow anchorages and harbors and get to deep water if time allows (Coast Pilot). Kona storms (October-April) bring southerly gales that make south- and west-facing anchorages unsafe. DOBOR alerts: hawaiidlnrdobor.alertmedia.com. Coordinate: Nawiliwili (NOAA station 1611400).

Kauai Hurricane and Kona Storm Season

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