Hurricane Kiko continued to intensify as it moved closer to the Central Pacific basin, with sustained winds near 140 mph and higher gusts.
As of 5 p.m. Friday, Kiko was about 1,130 miles east-southeast of Hilo and 1,335 miles east-southeast of Honolulu, moving west-northwest at 12 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
While there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect, forecasters said Hawaii residents should monitor Kiko’s progress over the coming days.
The NHC said Kiko could continue to strengthen overnight before gradual weakening begins Sunday.
Swells generated by the hurricane are expected to reach the Big Island and Maui by Sunday, building through early next week and peaking along east-facing shores late Monday through midweek. These swells could produ