Honolulu is riding a stretch of breezy east-northeast trade winds on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, bringing scattered showers, choppy surf, and daytime highs around 83°F. Overnight lows are expected to stay in the lower to mid-70s, with most showers brief and dropping less than a tenth of an inch. The gusty trades will be most noticeable along ridgelines and exposed shorelines, where umbrellas and anything not tied down could take a beating.
Today's Forecast
According to the National Weather Service Honolulu, east-northeast winds will run around 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to about 25 to 29 mph through midweek. The chance of measurable showers sits near 20 to 30 percent. Daytime temperatures should top out near 83°F, then slide into the low to mid-70s overnight. New rainfall totals are expected to stay light where showers develop, although a few spots could briefly see heavier bursts.
Showers Favor Windward Slopes
Passing showers will line up mainly over windward and mauka slopes. Neighborhoods such as Nuʻuanu, Kahana, and the windward beaches are in line for the most frequent quick-hitting downpours. Leeward and central leeward areas should see more sunshine with only isolated showers interrupting the day. If you live or work on the windward side, expect fast flips between sun and rain, especially during the morning and evening commute hours.
Small Craft Advisories and Surf Outlook
Small Craft Advisories remain posted through 6 PM HST Wednesday, May 27, 2026, for many coastal waters as fresh to strong trades kick up choppy seas. A long-period south swell pushing in today will gradually build surf into Wednesday before easing on Thursday. A larger south-southwest swell is then expected to arrive over the weekend, likely nudging south shore surf toward advisory levels. Mariners and ocean-goers should check with local harbormasters and lifeguards and follow any guidance from the National Weather Service Honolulu.
What It Means For You
Outdoor plans will fare best in the generally drier afternoon windows, but keep the rain gear handy if you are on the windward side. Secure loose lanai and patio furniture since afternoon gusts will be strongest along exposed shorelines and higher terrain. By Friday and into the weekend, expect rougher beach conditions as the bigger south-southwest swell arrives, something that could complicate small-craft operations and amp up shorebreaks. For more on the same trade-wind setup and how it has been playing out in recent days, see our earlier report on trade winds and weekend showers.
