TRACKING KIKO | Hurricane Kiko nearing major strength, still far from Hawaii

HONOLULU (Island News) -- Hurricane Kiko continues to strengthen as it moves across the eastern Pacific, well east-southeast of Hawaii.

As of early Wednesday morning, Kiko’s winds have reached 110 miles per hour, just shy of major hurricane status. Forecasters expect it to become a major hurricane later today.

The storm is located about 1,665 miles east of Hilo, Hawaii, and is moving slowly west at around 8 miles per hour. Kiko is expected to keep moving in this general direction over the next few days, with a slight turn toward the west-northwest and a small increase in speed.

Although Kiko is getting stronger, it remains far from land and is not currently a threat to any coastal areas. No watches or warnings are in effect.