Ocean Blog
UH study finds some parts of Hawaiʻi sinking faster than others
New University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa study discovery also highlights that as sea level rises, there is an even greater risk for flooding in low-lying areas sooner than scientists anticipated, putting infrastructure, businesses and communities in jeopardy.
Update: High bacteria count advisory canceled at Honoli‘i Cove
State health officials report that enterococci levels at the popular surf spot north of Hilo no longer exceed acceptable levels.
If water is brown, turn around: Advisory issued for Hilo Bay and along Hāmākua Coast
Hawai’i Department of Health officials advise beachgoers and ocean enthusiasts to stay out of waters that appear brown or murky in the advisory areas. The water could contain higher than normal pollutant levels.
Update: Brown water advisory canceled for West Hawai‘i coast after about a week
Beachgoers advised to remember: If the water is brown, turn around. State health officials recommend staying out of the water in the advisory area for 48 to 72 hours after heavy rainfall stops and beaches have received full sunshine.
Update: High surf advisory for west coast of Big Island extended
According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, surf of six to eight feet is expected along with strong breaking waves and currents, which will make swimming dangerous.
Highly venomous yellow-bellied sea snake slithers onhore at East Hawai‘i beach
A Hilo resident found the 3-foot reptile pinned under a log Feb. 4 at Honoli‘i Beach, a popular surf spot and beach park about 2 miles northwest of Hilo.
Update: High surf advisory for western shorelines extended through Friday morning
Surf of 6 to 8 feet is still expected along the west shores of the Big Island as a persistent west-northwest swell continues to fade overnight.
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.
On the job conservation: Hawaiian Adventures Kona recovers large ghost net during whale watching tour
Crew members of the ocean tour company’s vessel Artemis stepped up last week to remove a large mass of tangled marine debris — basically garbage — drifting off the Big Island’s Kona Coast while patient tour guests offered encouragement.
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.
Bill aimed at keeping illegal ahi off people’s plates to be considered by full U.S. Senate
The lllegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act would support Hawaiʻi fisherman and expose anyone trying to pass off cheap tuna for high-quality Hawaiʻi ahi.
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.
State boating division responds to several boat groundings after major winter storm
In light of the groundings, Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation Administrator Meghan Statts reiterated that boat owners and operators should pay attention to weather forecasts, avoid going out in advance of storms and check that their lines are secure in harbors or while tied to moorings.
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: High surf takes toll on portion of Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Royal Grounds, 1871 Trail and picnic area at the park will reopen. However, Puʻuhonua Trail will remain closed until further notice for repairs.
Dead humpback whale calf discovered on Maui shore
Staff from several state and federal agencies, with assistance from others, are working to tow the whale remains offhsore, as requested by Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners.
