Honolulu greeted Saturday, July 18, 2026, with the classic warm trade-wind setup: morning lows near 78°F, afternoon highs aiming for about 86°F, and a mix of passing clouds and sun. Northeast trades are keeping parts of town breezy, pushing isolated windward and mauka showers mainly through the morning before sunshine takes over for much of the afternoon. East-facing shores stay choppy and ridgelines gusty, so expect blustery pockets across windward neighborhoods and on those cross-valley commutes.
Small Craft Advisory Through This Evening
The National Weather Service has a Small Craft Advisory in place through 6 PM HST Saturday, July 18, 2026, covering several channels and nearby Big Island waters. The advisory was recently expanded to include more windward zones and the Kaiwi Channel, so small, open boats are better off staying tied up today. According to the National Weather Service, winds will generally run northeast 12 to 16 mph with gusts up to 22 mph and seas turning choppy in exposed areas. Mariners should check with harbormasters before heading out.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Trades are expected to build through the day, with the strongest gusts over exposed ridgelines and along open coastal roads; drivers crossing valleys and bridges should be ready for sudden windy bursts. Most aviation operations at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (PHNL) are expected to remain VFR, though brief dips in ceilings or visibility are possible in any heavier showers that sneak through. We covered the gusty pattern in a blustery trades and bumpy surf forecast on July 16; today’s advisory simply widens the marine footprint.
Marine And Surf
A moderate south swell is expected to build Sunday, July 19, and linger into early next week, likely nudging south-facing surf higher and increasing the risk of dangerous shore breaks on Monday and Tuesday. Lifeguards and harbor officials may post beach or harbor advisories if wave heights reach hazardous levels, so keep an eye on local postings and do not turn your back on the bigger sets. East-facing shores will stay on the choppy side through the weekend while trades ease slightly early next week, with spotty trade showers forecast to return by Tuesday, July 21.
Plan Ahead
If you are heading out today, keep plans flexible: secure loose outdoor items, skip small-boat trips if you can, and check lifeguard flags before getting in the water. For anything on the ocean, check the latest marine statements from the National Weather Service and local harbor authorities before you cast off.
