Hurricane Lowell is bearing down on the western end of the Hawaiian Islands, prompting hurricane warnings for Kauai County as the Category 3 storm approaches. While the system is not expected to make a direct landfall, its steady eastward shift has increased the threat to Kauai and the small, privately owned island of Niihau. As of 5 a.m. ET, the storm was located 455 miles south-southwest of Lihue and 480 miles south-southwest of Honolulu, packing maximum sustained winds of 115 mph.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu anticipates the hurricane’s center will pass between 75 and 95 miles west of Niihau from Monday night into Tuesday. Tropical storm-force winds currently extend up to 175 miles from the center, while hurricane-force winds reach outward up to 60 miles. Officials warn that any further eastward movement could intensify the impact on the islands.
Governor Josh Green urged residents to take the situation seriously, particularly on Kauai, while Mayor Derek Kawakami emphasized the need for vigilance. “We need the entire island to be vigilant,” Kawakami stated, further warning that the ocean will be rough and dangerous. He specifically cautioned residents to be wary of incoming swells from the remnants of Hurricane Karina, which are expected to impact northeast-facing shores.
The potential for severe weather extends beyond high winds. Forecasters have warned of life-threatening surf, dangerous rip currents, and the possibility of tornadoes near Kauai and Niihau, with a few tornadoes also possible across the rest of the state. Additionally, significant flash flooding and mudslides are expected in Kauai County and parts of the Big Island.
Rainfall projections are substantial: Kauai County is expected to receive 6 to 10 inches, with isolated totals reaching 14 inches. The Big Island is forecast to see 4 to 8 inches, with up to 12 inches in some areas, while Maui could see 2 to 4 inches, potentially reaching 8 inches. Elsewhere in the islands, rainfall is expected to range between 2 and 4 inches.
The storm poses a unique challenge for Niihau, the seventh-largest island in the chain and the smallest populated one. Known as the “forbidden island,” it is home to approximately 70 people. The island lacks a power grid, paved roads, and modern infrastructure, maintaining a traditional way of life where the Hawaiian language is spoken daily. Its nickname dates back to the 19th century, when access was restricted to protect residents from Western influence and disease; today, the island remains largely isolated with no public shops or restaurants.
Beyond the immediate wind threat, which could damage roofs and destroy mobile homes, officials expect a storm surge of 1 to 3 feet on Kauai and up to 1 foot on Oahu, accompanied by destructive waves. While the storm is forecast to continue weakening, its broad reach ensures that impacts will be felt across the state. Residents and visitors are advised to monitor official weather alerts closely as conditions begin to deteriorate on Monday afternoon. The report also notes that 7 and 8, but the threats have increased for Niihau and Kauai because the storm’s forecast track has shifted steadily eastward, the National Hurricane Center said. The report also notes that especially on Kauai, Hawaii Gov, make sure everyone takes this seriously. The report also notes that while the island of Kauai (population 73,000) is expected to feel Lowell’s high winds, so could the tiny, lightly populated island of Niihau, about 17 miles southwest of Kauai. The report also notes that also known as the “forbidden island,” the private island’s population is very small, at roughly 70 people, as of the most recent census. The report also notes that no power grid and limited contact with the outside world, Niihau “offers a glimpse of an older Hawaii,” according to Hawaii.com, with no paved roads. The report also notes that families on the island are known for making traditional shell leis. The report also notes that even now, access is extremely limited.
