Forecast for Big Island Windward and Southeast

HIGH SURF WARNING FOR NORTH FACING SHORES

Forecast for Big Island Leeward

HIGH SURF WARNING FOR WEST FACING SHORES

Swell Summary

Surf will sharply increase to XL size along many northern and western exposures progressive down the island chain through the day as a very large northwest swell builds in from the northwest. The swell will peak later Thursday and then gradually lower into Friday. A High Surf Warning (HSW) is in effect for the north and west-facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Big Island and north facing shores of Maui through Friday afternoon. A Small Craft Advisory is also in effect for all waters (sans Maalea Bay) as a result of high seas created by this swell. This large swell will adversely impact coastal areas, especially during high tide times Thursday and Friday. Preparations should be made for significant coastal impacts as ocean water runs up and inundates beaches and potentially adversely affects coastal properties and roadways.

As the northwest swell fades, a moderate to large size, medium period north swell will build on its heels Friday night and Saturday, likely peaking surf at high end High Surf Advisory (HSA) or low end HSW heights along better exposed north-facing shores Saturday night and Sunday. North wrap may push weekend eastern shore surf up to HSA thresholds with the potential for this wrap to also make it into the west-facing shores of Maui and Big Island. The north swell will gradually lower as it shifts more north to northeasterly Monday night through the middle of next week. A new small to moderate size northwest swell may move through from late Monday into the middle of next week. South shore surf will remain small over the next several days.

NORTH EAST

am        pm  

Surf: Chest to shoulder high N short period wind swell for the morning going more NNE and building into the chest to head range in the afternoon.

Conditions: Bumpy/choppy with NNE winds 15-20mph in the morning shifting NNW for the afternoon.

NORTH WEST

am        pm  

Surf: Waist to chest high N short period wind swell.

Conditions: Choppy/disorganized with NNE winds 10-15mph in the morning increasing to 20-25mph in the afternoon.

WEST

am        pm  

Surf: Knee high NW short period wind swell in the morning with occasional thigh high sets. This drops a bit in the afternoon.

Conditions: Glassy in the morning with ESE winds less than 5mph. Semi glassy conditions for the afternoon with the winds shifting to the SSE.

SOUTH EAST

am        pm  

Surf: Knee high ENE short period wind swell in the morning builds in the afternoon with occasional sets up to waist high.

Conditions: Sideshore/choppy with NNE winds 15-20mph in the morning shifting N 20-25mph in the afternoon.

Data Courtesy of NOAA.gov and SwellInfo.com