Hurricane Nolo is slightly stronger as it picks up speed, advancing west, south of the Hawaiian Islands

(Update: 5 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026) Hurricane Nolo is slightly stronger this morning as it moves westward, south of the Hawaiian Islands. At 5 a.m., the eye of Hurricane Nolo was located by Air Force Reconnaissance aircraft about 260 miles SW of South Point on Hawaiʻi Island, and 355 miles S of Honolulu, Oʻahu.

Nolo has picked up speed and is moving toward the west near 12 mph. A turn toward the northwest is expected by tonight, with this general motion continuing through Tuesday. On the forecast track, the center of Nolo will remain well south and southwest of the main Hawaiian Islands but will approach the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument early this week.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 105 mph with higher gusts, and is predicted to strengthen into a major hurricane within the next day or so and reach its peak intensity by Monday. Weakening is expected in a couple of days.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 150 miles.

Wind: Strong and gusty winds are possible for the main Hawaiian Islands through today, although the core winds of Nolo will stay to the south.

Rain: Rainfall and flooding threats are diminishing across the Big Island today with only scattered showers expected. For the eastern and southern portions of the Big Island, up to an additional inch of rainfall is possible. Across the remainder of the Hawaiian Islands, no significant precipitation is expected.

Storm Surge: The threat of significant storm surge has diminished, yet water levels along the coast will remain elevated through upcoming tide cycles due to persistent, dangerous wave action.

Surf: Swells generated by Nolo are affecting exposed east- and south-facing shores of the Big Island and are expected to spread westward and build through the weekend. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.

*Maui Now’s Wendy Osher contributed to this report.