Ocean Blog

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.

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.

A reinforcing large west-northwest will maintain advisory level surf through early Thursday morning along the Kohala and Kona coastlines.

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.

Hawaiʻi Water Safety Coalition called on water safety stakeholders throughout the islands to identify the state’s most urgent drowning prevention recommendations.

Forecasters originally had extended the advisory until 6 p.m. today, but surf has already dropped below advisory thresholds.

The newly published study reveals sewage from cesspools and the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant is entering Keaukaha’s coastal waters faster than previously recorded.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

National Weather Service in Honolulu says surf heights have fallen below warning and advisory levels.

Royal Grounds, 1871 Trail and picnic area at the park will reopen. However, Puʻuhonua Trail will remain closed until further notice for repairs.

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.

Hawaiʻi County agency made the announcement after the last surf-related advisory for the Big Island’s western shores was canceled early Sunday morning.

Polynesian Voyaging Society prepares to mark 5 decades of legendary iconic traditional double-hulled voyaging canoe reviving the Hawaiian culture, advocating for the environment and renewing a connection to the Earth and ocean.

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu watchstanders received a report at 3:22 p.m. Monday from the captain of fishing vessel Honua-‘Oe requesting a medevac for a 51-year-old man who injured his abdomen when he fell into a porthole.

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.

Chondria tumulosa earned the reputation for being a ‘nuisance alga’ because of its mat-forming behavior, ability to spread rapidly and unknown origin, which have posed significant challenges for reef conservation.