UPDATE: National Weather Service again extends high surf advisory for east-facing shores

Update at 6:26 a.m. Feb. 18, 2026: National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu report that strong trade winds continue to cause rough ocean conditions and high surf.

Advisory level surf is now forecast to be in place through Thursday (Feb. 19) along east-facing shores of the Big Island. Therefore, the high surf advisory that previously was in effect until this morning is extended until 6 p.m. Thursday.

Surf of 8 to 12 feet will continue to cause strong breaking waves and strong currents that will make swimming and other ocean activities along those eastern shorelines dangerous.

Update 4:24 p.m. Feb. 16, 2026: The National Weather Service has extended the high surf advisory for north- and east-facing shores of Hawaiʻi Island through Wednesday morning, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense officials said Monday afternoon.

The advisory covers coastal areas in North Kohala, Hāmākua, North Hilo, South Hilo, Puna and Kaʻū.

Forecasters said surf along those shorelines will remain higher than normal, with strong breaking waves and powerful currents expected to create dangerous ocean conditions. Officials warned that the elevated surf will make swimming and other ocean activities hazardous along eastern shores.

Beachgoers, swimmers and surfers are urged to follow guidance from ocean safety personnel and use caution if entering the water.

A wind advisory also remains in effect through Tuesday evening for most of Hawaiʻi Island.

4:19 a.m. Feb. 16, 2026: Strong trade winds will maintain relatively short-period high surf along east-facing shores of the Big Island lasting into Wednesday.

As a result, the National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu has extended the high surf advisory until 6 p.m. Tuesday (Feb. 17) for the eastern shores of the North Kohala, Hāmākua, North and South Hilo, Puna and Kaʻū districts.

Large breaking waves of 7 to 12 feet are still expected.

Story originally posted at 5:38 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026: Already strong trade winds will strengthen another notch Sunday (Feb. 15) and produce high surf along east-facing shores during the next several days throughout the state.

As a result, National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu issued a high surf advisory in effect until 6 a.m. Tuesday (Feb. 17) for eastern shorelines of North Kohala, Hāmākua, North and South Hilo, Puna and Kaʻū districts on the Big Island.

A high surf advisory means surf will be higher than normal. Strong breaking waves and strong currents also will make swimming and other ocean activities dangerous.

Large breaking waves of 7 to 10 feet are forecast, rising to surf of 8 to 12 feet by late Sunday into Sunday night for eastern shores.

“Beach-goers, swimmers and surfers should heed all advice given by ocean safety officials and exercise caution when entering the water,” said Hawai‘i County Civil Defense in a message Saturday afternoon.

National Weather Service forecasters reminded the public: when in doubt, don’t go out.

Winds are expected to stay strong through the middle of next week, so the advisory could be extended.

Visit the Hawai‘i County Hazard Impact Map for additional information.

Head to the National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office website for the most up-to-date weather information, including advisories, watches and warning.