 Hurricane Estelle was the first major hurricane of the above @-@ average 1986 Pacific hurricane season . It formed as a tropical depression formed well southwest of the Baja California Peninsula on July 16 , and strengthened into a tropical storm within 24 hours . Located within a favorable environment , Estelle intensified into a hurricane on July 18 . It attained major hurricane status ( Category 3 intensity or higher on the Saffir @-@ Simpson Hurricane Scale ) two days later . After peaking in intensity at Category 4 strength , Estelle slowly weakened . By July 24 , Estelle was no longer a hurricane while passing south of Hawaii . It completely dissipated on July 26 after further deteriorating to a tropical depression . The arrival of the hurricane prompted a hurricane watch for Hawaii , and 200 people evacuated from their homes . Hurricane Estelle produced high waves offshore Hawaii , causing $ 2 million in damage and two deaths . The remnants of the storm also produced intermittent showers across the state , though there was no major damage . 
