Hurricanes Lowell, Karina generating big swells for most Big Island shores; several beaches, other facilities closed
Updated at 12:37 p.m. Sept. 5, 2026.
A high surf advisory was extended through 6 p.m. Sunday for south- and east-facing shores of the Big Island.
It also now includes western exposures of the island.
Hawaiʻi County also announced early Saturday afternoon that several county park and recreation facilities are closed because of high surf conditions.
Swells from Hurricane Lowell continue to fill in throughout the state, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu. A large, medium-period east swell from Hurricane Karina also is filling in and will continue through the weekend, producing high-end advisory level surf or warning level surf along east-facing shores.
Karina will produce large breaking waves building up to 14 feet along eastern exposures of the islands.
Lowell will generate surf up to 12 feet along southern shorelines, increasing to 14 feet by Sunday afternoon. Surf also is expected up to 8 feet along western exposures of the Big Island.
Strong breaking waves and strong currents will make swimming and other ocean recreation dangerous. The public should heed all advice from ocean safety officials.
When in doubt, don’t go out.
Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense announced reports the following parks and facilities are closed around the Big Island:
- Hōnaunau Boat Ramp, 84-5571 Hōnaunau Beach Road, Hōnaunau.
- Kahaluʻu Beach Park, 78-6702 Aliʻi Drive, Kaulia-Kona.
- Laʻaloa Beach Park, 77-6474 Aliʻi Drive, Kailua-Kona.
- Old Kona Airport Beach Park Strip, 75-5500 Kuakini Highway, Kailua-Kona.
- Kohanaiki Beach Park, Kohanaiki Golf Club, Kailua-Kona.
- Māhukona Wharf, 57-2001 Māhukona Park Road, Māhukona.
Visit the Hawaiʻi County Hazard Impact Map for additional information.
