High surf warning for south and west shores on Hawai‘i Island with swells up to 16 feet

Updated at 1 a.m. Sept. 8

A high surf warning and flood watch 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.

Due to the high surf and forecasted possible flood conditions, ocean safety officials urge the public to:

• Avoid entering the ocean under these life-threatening conditions.
• Take necessary precautions with shoreline property and boats in high surf areas 
• Be on the alert for flooding conditions and take action to safeguard life and property
• Do not cross flowing water in a vehicle or on foot

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.
• Hoʻokena Beach Park, 86-4322 Mamalahoa Highway, Captain Cook.
• 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.

The National Weather Service High Surf Warning for all south and west facing shores and High Surf Advisory for east facing shores, and Flood Watch for Hawaii Island remain in effect through Tuesday.

Due to the high surf and forecasted possible flood conditions;

• Avoid entering the ocean under these life-threatening conditions.
• Those with shoreline property and boats in high surf areas should take necessary precautions.
• Residence in flood-prone areas, be on the alert for flooding conditions and take action to safeguard life and property.
• Do not cross flowing water in a vehicle or on foot – turn around, don’t drown.

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