UPDATE: High Surf Closes West Hawai’i Beaches

Kahalu’u Beach Park. File photo by Jamilia Epping.

***Updated at 12:45 p.m. to include information from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.***

In addition to the closure of several county beach parks in West Hawai’i, the Department of Land and Natural Resources has decided to close the Kekaha Kai State Park – Maniniowali, or Kua Bay, section.

According to a DLNR spokesperson, strong currents and undertow conditions, along with high surf, have contributed to the closure.

Kua Bay is anticipated to remain closed throughout the day and will be reassessed Friday morning.

The Mahaiula section of Kekaha Kai State Park will remain open.

Beach Closure List as of 12:45 p.m., Thursday:

• Kekaha Kai State Park – Maniniowali, Kua Bay, section
• Kahaluu Beach Park
• Laaloa, also known as Magic Sands Beach Park
• Kauna’oa Bay at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

***Updated at 11 a.m. to include additional beach closure information.***

Along with Kahaluu Beach Park and Laaloa, also known as Magic Sands Beach Park, Kauna’oa Bay at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has been added to the West Hawai’i Beach closure list.

***Updated at 8:30 a.m. to include updated National Weather Service information.***

A High Surf Advisory for west facing shores has been upgraded to a High Surf Warning through 6 p.m. Thursday.

***Original story posted at 8:15 a.m.***

A High Surf Advisory, in effect through 6 a.m. Friday, has caused the closure of two West Hawai’i beaches.

The advisory is in effect for west facing shores, with the anticipation of five to eight foot surf heights.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense reports high surf and hazardous conditions at two Kailua-Kona area beaches, Kahaluu Beach Park and Laaloa, also known as Magic Sands Beach Park.

Surf conditions are expected to peak with high tides at 10:40 a.m. and 11:15 p.m. Thursday.