Rough Waters Close Several West Hawai‘i Beach Parks

Due to rough ocean conditions and/or debris cleanup, the following beaches and parks will remain closed today:

• The Wharf at Mahukona Beach Park
• Spencer Beach Park
• Kauna‘oa Beach and Mau‘umae Beach at Mauna Kea Beach Resort
• La‘aloa Beach Park
• Kahalu‘u Beach Park

The following beach parks are open, however, water entry is restricted for:

• Hapuna Beach Park
• Kua Bay

Beach-goers should heed all advice given by ocean safety officials and exercise caution.

A small craft advisory remains in effect until Jan. 3 at 6 p.m. Conditions in Big Island windward waters are expected to be hazardous to small craft.

A Small Craft Advisory means that wind speeds of 25 to 33 knots and/or seas 10 feet or greater are expected to produce conditions hazardous to small craft. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.