High surf warning for south and west shores on Hawai‘i Island with swells up to 16 feet
Updated at 5 a.m. Sept. 7
A high surf warning is in effect for the Big Island until 6 p.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Surf of 12 to 16 feet is forecast for south-facing shores of the Big Island.
For west facing shores, surf of 6 to 8 feet is forecast for Monday morning and rapidly will build Monday afternoon and evening to 12 to 16 feet.
Expect ocean water 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 harbor entrances and channels causing challenging boat handling.
Members of the public should heed all advice from ocean safety officials. When in doubt, don’t go out.
The swells generated by Lowell are expected to drop off quickly Tuesday.
Hawaiʻi County announced early Saturday afternoon that several county park and recreation facilities are closed because of high surf conditions.
The following parks and facilities are closed:
- 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.
