Update: High surf advisory canceled for west-facing Big Island shores

6:38 p.m. Feb. 17 update: The high surf advisory has been canceled for west-facing shores of Hawai‘i Island.

7:47 a.m. Feb. 17 update: The high surf warning has been downgraded to an advisory. There are no beach closures at this time.

According to the National Weather Service, the recent large northwest swell will continue to gradually diminish today, as it becomes increasingly northerly.

A new north swell will arrive tonight and Sunday, driving another increase in surf heights along north-facing shores. Surf along west-facing shores will gradually decline through the weekend.

Surf along west-facing shores is expected to be 6 to 8 feet.

The advisory is in place till 6 p.m.

3:23 p.m. Feb. 16 update: A high surf warning along north- and west-facing has been extended till 6 a.m. Saturday.

According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, surf of 15 to 20 feet is expected along north-facing shores and 8 to 12 feet along west-facing shores.

Ocean water water will be surging and sweeping across beaches, coastal benches, and lava flows creating the potential for impacts to coastal properties and infrastructure, including roadways.

Powerful longshore and rip currents will be present at most beaches. Large breaking waves and strong currents may impact north- or west-facing harbor entrances and channels causing challenging boat handling.

Original post: Hāpuna and Kua Bay Beach Parks along with the Wharf at Māhukona Beach Park are closed today due to a high surf warning expected to last through the evening.

The warning is in effect for north-, east- and west-facing shores. Large breaking surf, significant shore break, and dangerous currents exist that could cause injury and death.

Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers are advised to exercise caution and heed all advice given by ocean safety officials.