Big Island Beach Parks in W. Hawai´i Closed Until Further Notice

Hawai´i County has closed all beach parks in West Hawai´i immediately and indefinitely.

All county beach parks from Keokea Beach Park in North Kohala to Miloliʻi in South Kona are closed until further notice. The Office of Mayor Mitch Roth said in a statement that the decision comes as a precautionary measure after a tsunami watch was called off earlier Thursday afternoon.

Miloliʻi will remain open to boaters who are on the water so that they may return to shore safely. All other ocean goers are asked to remain alert and vigilant near the coastline.

Hawaiʻi County officials will continue to monitor the situation and alert the public when beach parks are re-opened, according to the statement.

UPDATE: The State of Hawaiʻi has announced all state-run beach parks on the leeward side of the Big Island will also be closed until further notice, mirroring the countywide order.