Honolulu settles into a classic trade wind groove this Saturday, staying mostly sunny and breezy with afternoon highs near 82°F. East-northeast winds run about 14 to 18 mph with gusts up to 25 mph, while overnight lows linger in the low 70s. Windward and mauka neighborhoods still have a shot at a few quick, light showers slipping through.
Afternoon Trades Take Center Stage
The headline act today is the wind. By afternoon, trades are expected to hold steady from the east-northeast around 14 to 18 mph, with peak gusts topping out in the mid 20s. Overnight, breezes relax a bit to roughly 9 to 14 mph, then stay firmly in the “breezy” category into Sunday as highs nudge into the low to mid 80s. Forecasters expect the trades to crank up again by midweek, with gusts possibly reaching the mid to upper 20s along exposed ridges and east-facing shores.
Spotty Showers Early in the Week
A weak upper-level disturbance is due early next week, steering a bit more moisture onto windward slopes and bumping up the odds of passing showers from Monday through Wednesday. Forecasters put rain chances around 30% Sunday night and about 20 to 25% Monday, with any rainfall totals generally staying under one tenth of an inch, according to the National Weather Service Honolulu.
Coastal Conditions and Surf
Out on the water, small northwest swells are filling in and should peak Sunday before easing early next week. While the overall surf stays below average, east-facing shores will be on the choppy side as the trades stay active. That short-period wind chop can make conditions rough for small craft and for swimmers near exposed beaches. For now, there are no watches, warnings or advisories in effect for Oʻahu.
How to Play the Forecast
For weekend plans, a light jacket is not a bad idea for later in the day, and it is worth securing anything light enough to turn into a kite in the backyard. Gusts can turn umbrellas and beach chairs into surprise projectiles. If you are heading to the Waikīkī SPAM JAM on Kalākaua Avenue on Saturday evening, expect breezy conditions and choppy nearshore water. Transit or an early arrival is your best bet to navigate lane closures and the crush of crowds. Anyone planning time on the water should keep an eye on updated marine forecasts and use extra caution around exposed breaks.
