Update: High surf advisory for north, west facing shores extends to east districts

Update 3:30 p.m. Dec. 15, 2025: The high surf advisory for north and west facing shores of Hawaiʻi Island has extended include Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, and Kona districts through Tuesday.

Beach-goers, swimmers, and surfers in these districts are urged to heed all advice given by ocean safety officials, and exercise caution when entering the water.

According to the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency, Mahu Kona Wharf remains closed and beach parks could close without notice.

For more information, please visit the County of Hawaii Hazard Impact Map

Updated 3 p.m. Dec. 15, 2025: A high surf advisory remains in effect for west-facing shores of the Big Island through Tuesday morning.

According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, a large, medium-period north-northwest (290-300 degree) swell has peaked and will subside through tonight, except for west-facing shores, where this swell will continue building through this evening.

A large, long-period north (350-360 degree) swell is also building into area waters this afternoon. This swell will maintain elevated surf along north-facing exposures through tonight.

Updated 7:27 a.m. Dec. 15, 2025: A high surf warning for portions of West Hawai‘i was downgraded to an advisory.

According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, a large, medium-period north-northwest swell will peak today at along exposed north and west-facing shores.

The swell will then slowly decline through Tuesday. For west-facing shores of the Big Island, predicted surf heights are a bit lower than previously forecast.

Large breaking waves up to 10 feet are expected. Strong breaking waves and strong currents
will make swimming dangerous.

Original post: A high surf warning for the west-facing shores of the Leeward Big Island is in effect as a swell increases across the region, according to forecasters with the National Weather Service.

The warning will remain in effect from 6 a.m. on Monday to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16.

A large west-northwest swell from about 290 to 300 degrees is expected to bring dangerously large waves to the area, with surf peaking late Monday afternoon before gradually decreasing on Tuesday.

Surf heights are forecast to reach up to 12 feet along the affected shores, creating hazardous conditions for beachgoers and boaters. Strong breaking waves and powerful currents are anticipated, particularly in channel entrances, where navigating could be dangerous.

Officials are advising residents and visitors to stay away from the shoreline and avoid entering channels during the high surf event. The high surf may also lead to road closures in coastal areas. Authorities recommend postponing channel crossings until conditions improve, urging everyone to exercise extreme caution.

Officials also urge residents and visitors to use caution and follow guidance from ocean safety authorities. As a general rule, authorities advised, if conditions appear unsafe, stay out of the water and only swim at beaches with towered lifeguards.