Coast Guard Set Heavy Weather Condition WHISKEY
Hawaii ports braced for strong winds as maritime officials implemented new safety conditions for commercial vessels.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Forecasts
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The U.S. Coast Guard has implemented Heavy Weather Condition WHISKEY for Honolulu, Maui, and Hawaii County ports due to incoming severe weather. Kauai County ports are scheduled to join this alert status by Wednesday evening.
Why it matters
The alert is intended to mitigate risks posed by sustained strong winds exceeding 39 miles per hour, which are forecasted to impact Hawaii within three days. Proactive vessel management is required to ensure port safety during the weather event.
Heavy Weather Condition WHISKEY applies to vessels 200 gross tons and greater, which must prepare to depart port. Winds above 39 miles per hour are expected to reach the islands within three days.
The players
U.S. Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard is a maritime security, search and rescue, and law enforcement agency that oversees port safety and vessel traffic.
Hawaii DOT-Harbors Division
The Hawaii Department of Transportation Harbors Division manages the commercial harbor system across the state.
The details
While commercial ports remain operational for now, vessels weighing 200 gross tons or more must plan to depart. Any ship remaining in port must secure written permission from the Captain of the Port and the Hawaii DOT-Harbors Division.
Timeline
8 a.m. Wednesday: Condition WHISKEY set for Honolulu, Maui, and Hawaii ports.
8 p.m. Wednesday: Condition WHISKEY set for Kauai County ports.
Within 3 days: Strong winds above 39 mph expected to arrive.
Seasonal Patterns
This action follows the standard operational pattern established by the U.S. Coast Guard's Heavy Weather Condition protocols to maintain maritime safety during severe storm threats. These measures reflect seasonal preparations common to the Pacific region as tropical weather systems increase.
Recreational boaters are strongly advised to seek sheltered waters immediately as conditions deteriorate. Operators of large commercial vessels must submit a Request to Remain in Port form if they are unable to depart before the high wind threshold is reached.
The takeaway
Vessel operators should finalize their departure plans now to comply with Coast Guard safety mandates. Future port closures and additional restrictions remain likely as the wind intensity develops.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming weather alerts in the islands, visit the Forecasts section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hawaiinewsnow.
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