Forecast for Big Island Leeward

Swell Summary

The current northwest swell will be reinforced by a pulse of north swell later in the day. A High Surf Advisory (HSA) in effect for this episode along many north and west facing shores will continue at least through this afternoon. The north swell will gradually decline Wednesday through Friday. Rises are expected on east and south facing shores as well. Wind swell will build as the trade winds increase today and Wednesday, but the islands will lie near the eastern edge of the fetch of strong trade winds, which will limit the growth of the local seas. The latest guidance shows the rough trade wind swell could push east shore surf on Kauai near the HSA level as early as later today, but seas are projected to build to around seasonal average elsewhere. That said, some wrapping north swell could lead to elevated east shore surf, as well as surges in Kahului and Hilo Harbors. In addition, background south shore surf will be interrupted by a small south-southwest swell arriving this afternoon and peaking Wednesday into Thursday.

NORTH EAST

am        pm  

Surf: Minimal surf (ankle or less) for the morning with a waist to stomach high E short period wind swell filling in during the afternoon with occasional chest sets.

Conditions: Sideshore texture/chop with SE winds 10-15mph in the morning shifting ESE for the afternoon.

NORTH WEST

am        pm  

Surf: Minimal (ankle high or less) surf.

Conditions: Semi glassy in the morning with ENE winds 5-10mph. Semi choppy conditions for the afternoon with the winds shifting to the WSW.

WEST

am        pm  

Surf: Minimal (ankle high or less) surf.

Conditions: Semi glassy in the morning with NNW winds less than 5mph. Bumpy/semi bumpy conditions for the afternoon with the winds shifting WNW 5-10mph.

SOUTH EAST

am        pm  

Surf: Minimal surf (ankle or less) for the morning with a knee to thigh high ESE short period wind swell filling in during the afternoon.

Conditions: Sideshore texture/chop in the morning with NE winds 5-10mph. Light sideshore texture conditions for the afternoon with the winds shifting NNE 10-15mph.

Data Courtesy of NOAA.gov and SwellInfo.com