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Category 2 Hurricane Fausto Heads Toward Hawaii, Brings 12-Foot Swells

7/25/2026

Summary

Fausto Approaches Hawaii

The National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Fausto is a Category 2 storm with 105 mph winds moving west toward Hawaii.
It is expected to weaken to a tropical storm by early Monday as it approaches the islands.
The Tuesday forecast cone covers the Big Island, Maui County and all islands except Kauai, indicating a direct hit.
A high surf advisory with 8-12-foot waves runs through 6 p.m. Friday.

Summary

Hawaii News Advises

Hawaii News Now urges residents to download the First Alert Weather app for Fausto updates.
Jennifer Robbins leads the First Alert Weather Team with Drew Davis, Guy Hagi, Ben Gutierrez and Billy V.
The Honua Finals, the Interscholastic Surfing championship, will benefit from big south-shore waves.
North-facing shores will see flat surf, while south coasts expect 8-12-foot swells.
Trade winds will stay breezy, delivering periodic showers to windward and mountain areas.

History

Historical Context

In 1992 Hurricane Iniki, the first major Hawaiian hurricane since Iwa in 1982, struck Kauai as a Category 4 storm, causing $3.1 billion in damage and seven deaths. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center’s delayed warnings spurred reforms that now emphasize rapid alert apps and pre-positioned supplies, lessons applied as Category 2 Hurricane Fausto approaches the Big Island.

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Fausto Approaches Hawaii

The National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Fausto is a Category 2 storm with 105 mph winds moving west toward Hawaii.
It is expected to weaken to a tropical storm by early Monday as it approaches the islands.
The Tuesday forecast cone covers the Big Island, Maui County and all islands except Kauai, indicating a direct hit.
A high surf advisory with 8-12-foot waves runs through 6 p.m. Friday.

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