Small Craft Advisory Continues in Hawaiian Waters

Courtesy of Sherry Tancayo and Clare Mawae. Photo from 9/23/12 Na Wahine O Ke Kai canoe race off of Molokai’s Hale O Lono Harbor.

By Wendy Osher

(Update: September 26, 2012)

The National Weather Service has extended a Small Craft Advisory until 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2012, for Ma’alaea Bay on Maui, the Pailolo and Alenuihaha Channels, and the southeast and leeward waters of the Big Island.

Forecasters say winds and seas will remain rough through Thursday evening with east winds blowing at 20-25 knots and rough seas expected to be in the 7 to 10 foot range.

(Posted: September 24, 2012)

A small craft advisory is in effect until 6 a.m. on Wednesday for Ma’alaea Bay, as well as the Pailolo and Alenuihaha Channels, and leeward and southeast waters surrounding the Big Island.

Forecasters from the National Weather Service say winds will be east to northeast at 25 knots through late Tuesday night.

The advisory was issued as a northwest swell slowly diminishes, and combines with wind waves to produce combined seas at 10 feet or greater.  The swells, forecasters say, are expected to diminish below 10 feet by tonight.

As a precaution, inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, are advised to avoid navigating in such conditions.

A separate small craft advisory has also been issued until 6 p.m. tonight for windward and leeward waters surrounding Maui County, Big Island windward waters, the Kaiwi Channel, waters surrounding Kauai, and leeward waters of Oahu.