Ocean Blog

Both Polynesian Voyaging Society traditional double-hulled voyaging canoes were welcomed by the Rarotonga community with a traditional ceremony, following a 2-day trek from Bora Bora, French Polynesia under nearly perfect weather conditions.

Waves of 10 to 14 feet are forecast this morning, decreasing to 8 to 12 feet this afternoon and 7 to 10 feet Monday for those shorelines in Puna, Kaʻū, North and South Kona and North and South Kohala. Flooding of beaches that are normally dry, minor coastal erosion and saltwater inundation also will be an issue with continued coastal flooding.

Large breaking waves of 7 to 10 feet are forecast by Aug. 8 along the southern shores of the island, with wave heights increasing to between at least 10 and 14 feet by Aug. 9.

The extension comes as National Weather Service forecasters also issued a high surf advisory for south-facing shores of the state that will be in effect from early Friday morning to early the morning of Aug. 11.

Hawai‘i Department of Health issued a high bacteria notification for the area after higher than normal bacteria level of 178 per 100 mL was found during recent routine monitoring. There is no known source of fecal contamination.

The advisory is now in effect until 6 p.m. today for North and South Kohala as well as northern and interior portions of North Kona and Hāmākua along with south and southeasten portions of Kaʻū and Puna, with sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph expected and gusts up to 50 mph.

Tsunami waves generated by distant earthquakes take hours to reach the Hawaiian Islands, giving people time to evacuate vulnerable areas. Local tsunami, however, do not need to travel far to reach our shores, leaving a much shorter time to respond.

Hawai‘i County officials ask residents, however, to exercise caution and stay out of the water, as coastal areas continue to be hazardous.

Annual 3-month Operation Nasse — conducted by United States, Australia, France and New Zealand, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu — aimed at safeguarding marine resources of Pacific Island nations.

Traditional double-hulled voyaging canoes have been back in Tahitian capital since July 14 preparing for the next leg of their Moananuiākea Voyage; stop also allowed for crew rotation before continuing their epic circumnavigation of the Pacific Ocean.

The July 19 temblor that caused the tsunami watch excitement struck roughly 45 miles northeast from the epicenter of a 1952 magnitude-9 earthquake that did trigger a destructive Pacific tsunami that caused damage in Hawai‘i, including on the Big Island.

This 1-mile swim hosted by Hawai‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation at Richardson Ocean Park is designed for strong swimmers with strong swimming skills who can handle the sometimes rough course conditions, including currents and waves.

New study from researchers at University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology also provides hope that that impact could be manageable; meanwhile, five Indo-Pacific coral species received critical habitat protections this week, potentially preventing their mass extinction.

Voyaging canoes arrive in Moʻorea for cultural engagements prior to departing July 13 for brief return to Papeʻetē, Tahiti, before sailing for their next port of call: Tautira.

The double-hulled traditional voyaging canoes spent 4 meaningful and emotional days this week in the Tahitian community that included a powerful homecoming ceremony, activities to support vulnerable youth and a Vaʻa Symposium.

Water sample testing results show enterococci bacteria levels no longer exceed the acceptable threshold level at both locations, which are about 23 miles apart along the West Hawai‘i coast.

Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation invites Big Island anglers to cast a few lines from Aug. 15-17 for a chance to win some great prizes and awards while enjoying their favorite pastime and family fun. 

The 2024 Recreational Boating Statistics Report revealed a nationwide fatality rate of 4.8 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels, a 2% decrease from 2023. There were just 11 incidents total in Hawai‘i waters last year, with only 1 fatality.

While land-based Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers supplement the work of the marine patrol units as needed, it’s up to the oceangoing patrols to be on the water regularly. Marine patrol units are now active on are now active on O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island.

The double-hulled wa‘a now are anchored off Papeʻetē, Tahiti, departing Taputapuātea early because of forecasted weather. They are expected to spend about a month in French Polynesia before continuing on the Moananuiākea Voyage, with subsequent stops this year in the Cook Islands, Sāmoa, Tonga and Aotearoa — the Māori name for New Zealand.