Ocean Advisory
Public urged by state officials to be cautious outdoors and on water because of severe weather
Outdoor recreation — including camping, hunting, hiking, mountain biking, etc. — and boating or other water activities during inclement weather put not only yourself but first responders at greater risk in an emergency.
Volunteers observe more than 1,900 humpbacks during second count of 2026
Data was collected Feb. 28 from 46 sites throughout the main Hawaiian Islands; a total of 1,935 whales were observed throughout all islands, down just 12 whales from February 2025.
State warns of potential public health risks from whale carcass in waters off Kona Coast
Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources and its partners began monitoring the sperm whale carcass Feb. 6; waters from Makalawena to Honokōhau are of particular concern during the next few weeks.
UPDATE: High surf advisory canceled for Big Island east-facing shorelines
National Weather Service in Honolulu reports surf along eastern shorelines has fallen below advisory levels.
Shoreline advisory canceled less than week after wastewater spill at Pāpaʻikou treatment plant
The advisory was put in place Feb. 12 for the area between Lyman Bay (Mill Beach) and Waipahi Point following a malfunction of the disinfection system at Pāpa’ikou Wastewater Treatment Plant, which resulted in discharge of up to 98,300 gallons of fully treated, insufficiently disinfected wastewater.
UPDATE: High surf advisory extended until Thursday morning for eastern shorelines of Big Island
Strong trade winds continue to produce high surf along east-facing shore from North Hawai’i through Kaʻū; large breaking waves of 7 to 10 feet are still expected until 6 a.m. Thursday.
High surf advisory for west-facing shorelines of Big Island has been canceled
The high surf advisory for the Big Island has been canceled.
High surf advisory issued for western shores of Big Island as two swells build down island chain
The first moderate to large, long-period northwest swell will peak overnight tonight into early morning Friday, followed by a second overlapping, larger, long-period northwest swell building in Friday and peaking late Friday into Saturday before subsiding through the rest of the weekend.
Coastal flood statement in effect through Monday for Big Island
The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood statement for the Big Island, warning of minor flooding and erosion along north- and west-facing shores through February 2.
UPDATE: High bacteria advisory canceled for swimming area at Onekahakaha Beach in Hilo
Hawai‘i State Department of Health officials report that water retesting results showed enterococci levels no longer exceed the acceptable threshold; the advisory was originally issued Jan. 21.
Update: High surf advisory extended through Friday for west-facing shores of Big Island
The National Weather Service has extended the high surf advisory for the west-facing shores of the Big Island through Friday, Jan. 16.
UPDATE: High bacteria count advisory canceled at Kolekole Gulch in East Hawai‘i
Water sample testing results show that the enterococci bacteria levels no longer exceed the threshold level at the site about 12.5 miles north of Hilo.
High surf advisory, flood advisory, coastal flood statement in effect for East Hawai’i
An easterly wind fetch generated by lowering pressures south and west of the islands will significantly increase easterly wind wave swell; surf of 10 to 12 feet is forecast, causing strong breaking waves and strong currents that will make swimming dangerous.
UPDATE: Coastal flood statement extended again, now in effect through early Tuesday
Peak monthly high tides combined with higher-than-predicted water levels will continue to lead to minor flooding along shorelines and in low-lying coastal areas, with flooding still most likely near the daily peak high tides early in the morning.
Update: High surf advisory cancelled for Big Island
A large, medium period north-northwest swell and a north swell have both peaked and will continue to subside through Tuesday afternoon.
UPDATE: Coastal flood statement to carry over another day, through Sunday morning
Peak monthly high tides combined with water levels higher than predicted will lead to minor flooding along shorelines and in low-lying coastal areas
High surf warning likely this weekend along Big Island western shores with arrival of extra-large swell
The west-northwest to northwest swell is expected to rapidly fill in Saturday evening and peak during the day Sunday, likely producing surf of 12 to 18 feet, with some even larger sets possible, for West Hawai‘i shorelines.
Update: High surf still a concern for east-facing shores; forecasters extend advisory
National Weather Service cancels advisory for north-facing shores, but eastern shorelines can still expect to see large breakers from 9 to 12 feet increasing to 10 to 14 feet Wednesday (Nov. 12).
High surf advisory in effect until 6 p.m. Thursday for north shores of Big Island
Large breaking waves of 12 to 18 feet are forecast along north-facing shores and 8 to 12 feet along west-facing shores.
Update: High bacteria count notification canceled for Lehia Beach Park in Leleiwi
Water sample retesting results at the Hilo park showed enterococci levels no longer exceed the acceptable threshold level.
