On July 22, the National Weather Service issued a hurricane watch and high-surf advisory for the Island of Hawaii as the storm was anticipated to produce life-threatening waves throughout the island chain. Gale warnings and small craft advisories were also issued. Hurricane Estelle was described by meteorologists as "small but dangerous". More than 200 people evacuated from their homes near the shoreline, but others refused to leave. However, the hurricane watch was dropped on July 24 when Estelle weakened to a tropical storm.
