Ocean Advisory
Update: High surf advisory extended for western shorelines of Big Island
A reinforcing large west-northwest will maintain advisory level surf through early Thursday morning along the Kohala and Kona coastlines.
Coalition releases first Hawaiʻi Water Safety Plan aimed at addressing state’s drowning crisis
Hawaiʻi Water Safety Coalition called on water safety stakeholders throughout the islands to identify the state’s most urgent drowning prevention recommendations.
Update: High surf advisory canceled for east-facing Big Island shores
Forecasters originally had extended the advisory until 6 p.m. today, but surf has already dropped below advisory thresholds.
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo researchers confirm sewage leaking into Keaukaha waters
The newly published study reveals sewage from cesspools and the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant is entering Keaukaha’s coastal waters faster than previously recorded.
Brown water advisory canceled for Big Island after almost a week
The advisory was issued Jan. 31 by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health Clean Water Branch for the entire island because of stormwater runoff entering coastal waters from heavy rains associated with the significant winter storm that moved through the state at the end of last week.
Update: High surf advisory extended for east-facing shores of Big Island
National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu forecast surf up to 12 feet, causing strong breaking waves and strong currents that will make swimming and certain other ocean activities dangerous.
Update: Big Island officially weathers major winter storm
Several Hawaiʻi County facilities remained closed Friday despite weather conditions improving. Fewer than 100 customers remained without power as of 6 p.m. Friday. A brown water advisory is in effect for the entire island because of stormwater runoff entering coastal waters.
Update: High surf warning canceled for West Hawaiʻi
National Weather Service in Honolulu says surf heights have fallen below warning and advisory levels.
Update: All high surf advisories canceled for Big Island
Surf has finally dropped below advisory levels for the first time since early last week. Hawai‘i County Civil Defense said all county beach parks that were closed because of the high surf event are expected to open by noon today.
Update: High surf warning canceled, replaced with high surf advisory for Big Island’s western shorelines
Extra-large swell that’s been slamming into the state continues to persist but will drop throughout the night. However, surf of 7 to 10 feet is still expected along the west coastlines of North and South Kohala and North and South Kona.
Update: State cancels high bacteria count notification for Honoli‘i Cove in East Hawai‘i
Bacteria levels of 1,652 per 100 mL were detected during routine monitoring. Another water sample was collected and the site is being retested.
October supermoon reinforces royal effect on coastal waters, ushering in minor King Tides
Peak monthly high tides will cause isolated minor flooding from late tonight through Sunday morning along island shorelines and in low-lying coastal areas.
2nd annual World Ocean Day event in downtown Hilo on June 10
The 2023 theme for World Ocean Day is “Planet Ocean: Tides Are Changing.”
High surf, high wind advisories in effect
Advisory-level surf is anticipated for the next couple of days.
UPDATE High surf warning extended for portions of Big Island until 6 a.m. Friday
Surf is forecast for 15 to 20 feet today for west-facing shores on the Big Island and gradually diminishing tonight.
UPDATE: High surf advisory for Big Island canceled
Large breaking waves of 6 to 8 feet are forecast this afternoon. Wave heights are expected to increase to 7 to 10 feet tonight.
Update: High surf advisory extended for east-facing shores
Impacts are expected to be moderate, with strong breaking waves and and strong currents that will make swimming dangerous.
UPDATE: Dangerously large breaking waves of 20 to 30 feet now forecast through Saturday night for parts of Big Island
The dangerous surf coincides with strong to gale-force winds and spring high tide.
Strong northeast winds, significant north swell possible on Thanksgiving
You might want to change any plans you have outside on Turkey Day.
Brown water advisory issued for Hilo Bay and Hāmākua Coast
The public is advised to stay out of flood waters and stormwater runoff because of possible overflowing cesspools, sewer, manholes, pesticides, animal fecal matter, dead animals, pathogens, chemicals and associated flood debris.
