Update: Surf advisory in effect through Wednesday morning; beaches still closed

9 a.m. Jan. 22 update: Due to impact being experienced by high surf conditions, the following beach parks will remain closed today:

For county beaches, Kahalu‘u, Kohanaiki, the Wharf at Mahukona Beach Park, and Mahukona Beach Park. State beaches remaining closed today are, Kua Bay, Mahai‘ula (also known as Kekahakai State Park), and Wailea Beach Park.

3:49 a.m. Jan. 22 update: A high surf advisory is now in effect until 6 a.m. Wednesday.

Surf of 7 to 10 feet along west facing shores of the Big Island is anticipated. Surf will slowly ease today, then trend back up tonight through Tuesday night.

Strong breaking waves and strong currents will make swimming dangerous.

3 p.m. Jan. 21 update: A large west-northwest (280-300 degrees) swell is very slow to ease this afternoon, so the warnings and advisory are extended through tonight. Surf heights should dip to advisory levels by Monday morning as the swell lowers.

12 p.m. Jan. 21 update: Expect strong breaking waves, shore break and rip currents making swimming very difficult and dangerous.

Surf this high can cause coastal flooding, damage shoreline property, and cause injury and death. Beach-goers, swimmers and surfers should exercise caution and heed all advice given by ocean safety officials.

The following notices and beach closures are in effect:

For county beaches, Kahalu`u Beach Park and Mahukona beach Park and Wharf are closed.  And, camping is suspended Kohanaiki Beach Park.

For state beaches, Kua Bay, Mahai`ula (also known as Kekahakai State Park), Wailea, and Hapuna Beach Park are closed.

Multiple resorts on the Kona coast are reporting beach closures due to dangerous surf.

Stay tuned to you radio for updates and changes in conditions.

12 p.m. Jan. 20 update: Due to expected widespread High Surf Warning conditions for the west coast of Hawai‘i Island, the following notices and beach park closures are in effect:

Camping at Kohanaiki Beach Park in Kona is canceled from sunset today through Sunday.

Kahalu‘u Beach Park in Kona and the Wharf at Mahukona in Kohala will be closed this evening through Sunday.

Other west coast beach parks may be closed on Sunday as conditions change.

Original post: The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Warning for all west facing shores of Hawai‘i Island, from ‘Upolu Point in North Kohala through Kona to South Point in Ka‘u.

This High Surf Warning will go into effect this evening through Sunday.

Expect surf to start building late this afternoon and rise to 12 to 15 feet tonight.

Surf this high can cause coastal flooding, damage shoreline property and cause injury and death.

Due to the High Surf Warning, all shoreline property along the west coast of Hawai‘i Island should prepare for high surf conditions.

Expect strong breaking waves, shore break, and rip currents making swimming difficult and dangerous.

Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should exercise caution and heed all advice given by ocean safety officials; and when in doubt, don’t go out.

There are no beaches closures at this time, however, beaches may close without notice.