HONOLULU – Hurricane Kiko continues to intensify in the eastern Pacific Ocean as it treks toward the west in the general direction of Hawaii, but at this point, it is not expected to bring major impacts to the islands.

As of Tuesday, the National Hurricane Center reported that the nearly Category 3 hurricane was approximately 1,700 miles east of Hilo, but dry air and cooler water temperatures were expected to act as a significant barrier between the cyclone and the islands.

"It remains too early to determine what, if any, direct impacts this system may have on Hawaii," NWS forecasters in Honolulu said in their latest discussion, noting that cyclones often weaken as they approach the islands due to cooler waters and wind shear.

Forecast models suggest that the cyclone will make its close

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