Honolulu is waking up to mostly clear skies and comfortable 77°F temps this Wednesday morning (May 20, 2026), but the calm is not going to last. East‑northeast trade winds are already humming along and are expected to strengthen through the week, bringing spotty windward showers overnight and into the early morning hours. The big headline is the growing gustiness that could rattle exposed ridgelines, shoreline roads and small boats later this week. Highs should land near 84°F today, with the breeziest conditions along east‑facing shores.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
By this afternoon, highs around 84°F will pair with east‑northeast winds of 17–23 mph and gusts that could spike near 32 mph. Forecasters expect the trades to steadily ramp up through Thursday, with downwind areas of Oahu potentially seeing gusts of at least 40 mph. Parts of Maui County and the Big Island could get it even stronger, with gusts up to 50 mph.
According to the National Weather Service, Small Craft Advisories and a Gale Watch are already posted for selected channels and bays. We first flagged the early uptick in winds in an earlier uptick in winds.
Marine And Surf Impacts
Small Craft Advisories kick in at 6 PM HST Wednesday, May 20, and will run into Friday morning for many channels and coastal waters. The Alenuihaha and Pailolo Channels are under a Gale Watch from Thursday morning through late Thursday night. Expect choppy seas, elevated east‑shore surf and rough going for small, open boats; marinas and recreational boaters should think about postponing nonessential launches and check in with local harbormaster notices before heading out.
A modest north‑northwest swell is on the way for the weekend, which will add some size to north and west shore surf while the steady trades keep east‑facing breaks stirred up.
What To Do
On land, it is a good time to tie down or stash loose patio furniture and tarps before the gusts arrive, and to keep an eye on exposed coastal roads during late‑afternoon high tides. If you are planning time on the water, double‑check moorings and coordinate with local harbormasters. Swimmers and surfers should follow lifeguard guidance as winds and currents increase. For real‑time updates and the latest advisories, stick with the National Weather Service and local channels.
