Tropical Storm Keli Forms as Second Cyclone in Central Pacific Ocean – Hawaii Weather Update

By Zamal Uddin | July 28, 2025

Two tropical cyclones are currently spinning across the Central Pacific Ocean, southeast of Hawaii. On Monday, Tropical Storm Keli developed, becoming the second named system alongside Hurricane Iona, which formed earlier in the season.

Hurricane Iona Strengthens but No Direct Threat to Hawaii

According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, Hurricane Iona rapidly intensified from a tropical depression into a Category 1 hurricane within a day. As of Monday, the storm is located approximately 870 miles (1,400 km) southeast of Honolulu, moving west at 10 mph (17 kph) with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph).

Meteorologists confirmed that Hurricane Iona is not expected to make direct landfall in Hawaii. However, the storm could bring dry and breezy conditions, similar to those experienced during Hurricane Dora in August 2023, which fueled the tragic Lahaina wildfires that killed 102 people.

Tropical Storm Keli Emerges Southeast of Honolulu

The newly formed Tropical Storm Keli was reported about 1,090 miles (1,755 km) southeast of Honolulu, carrying sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph) and moving west at the same pace as Iona. While forecasters expect Keli may briefly strengthen, it is projected to weaken by midweek and will not pose a direct threat to the Hawaiian Islands.

Emergency Monitoring and Coastal Impacts

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency confirmed that all counties are closely monitoring the situation through statewide conference calls with weather officials.

Although neither cyclone is forecasted to directly impact Hawaii, indirect effects may include:

• Increased gusty winds: Potential localized gusts exceeding 40 mph (64 kph)

• Minor ocean swells: Relatively small and westward-moving waves from the storms

• Unrelated large swell: A separate system near New Zealand is generating a significant swell, expected to reach Hawaii’s south shores by Thursday with waves up to 10 feet (3 meters).

Central Pacific Hurricane Season Update

This marks the second cyclone activity in the Central Pacific hurricane season for 2025, signaling a potentially active period for storm development. Residents and travelers are advised to stay updated with official weather advisories as conditions can change rapidly in tropical waters.

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