Friday, May 1, 2026, is starting off muggy in Honolulu, and brisk trade winds will be the main storyline, with scattered windward and mauka showers this morning and a daytime high near 83°F. East-northeast gusts will have beach umbrellas and any unsecured items wobbling, and coastal waters are expected to stay choppy through the afternoon.
What To Expect Today
Scattered rain showers are likely before noon, then skies turn mostly sunny with a high around 83°F, while overnight lows hold near 73°F. Forecast guidance calls for east-northeast winds of 17–22 mph with gusts up to 31 mph, and about a 40% chance of morning showers across windward spots, according to the National Weather Service Honolulu.
Hour-by-hour trends show the best shot at quick, hit-or-miss showers lining up with the morning commute, followed by drier and sunnier conditions by midday and early afternoon. Winds stay steady through the day, then ease slightly over the weekend as the upper-level low drifts northeast. If you are planning to be outside, a light rain jacket for brief showers and a few extra ties on patio furniture before the gustier afternoon period would not be a bad idea.
Marine And Surf Concerns
Small Craft Advisories are posted until 6 PM HST this evening for most windward and leeward coastal waters, while Maalaea Bay and the Alenuihaha Channel remain under advisory until 6 AM HST Saturday. Surf along north- and west-facing shores is forecast to build above early May averages tonight into Saturday and could reach advisory levels if the incoming swell shows up stronger than expected. For the latest marine statements and a breakdown of which zones are included, check the National Weather Service Honolulu.
This pattern should look familiar after yesterday's outlook. For a deeper dive into the trade wind setup and lingering shower chances, see our April 30 coverage on gusty trades and hit-or-miss showers. Today's forecast sticks with the same general theme, with an extra emphasis on choppy seas and a higher chance of gusty afternoon winds through Friday evening.
Plan Ahead
Secure loose outdoor items, give small boats a wider berth, and be ready for a few wet commutes if you drive through windward or mountain routes in the morning. If you have ocean plans, check harbor conditions before heading out and avoid more exposed east-facing shores until winds back off over the weekend.
