Ocean Blog

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.

Beach and harbor users are advised to stay out of water when it appears brown or murky, especially following storms or heavy rain as it might contain higher-than-normal levels of pollutant. If the water is brown, turn around.

Peak monthly high tides combined with higher than predicted water levels will lead to minor flooding along shorelines and in low-lying coastal areas throughout the state, including the Big Island, through this evening.

Native Hawaiian Kalani Quiocho, who was born and raised in Hilo on the Big Island, brings a wealth of management, leadership, partnership and cultural experience to hsi post with the organization.

The HBO series follows Hawaiʻi’s pioneering big wave surfer Garrett McNamara, now 57, as he pursues his passion around the globe.

The dangers of jumping into the water in the Spitting Caves and China Walls area on O’ahu also can apply to other similar areas around the Hawaiian islands.

Interested in a free vessel safety check? Want to learn more of what National Safe Boating Week is all about? Maybe you’re interested in seeing how you can practice safe boating? Get the information you need and more during today’s event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Despite near to below average forecast, officials — including Gov. Josh Green and those with the Central Pacific Hurricane Center — urge island residents to be vigilant and prepare now because any storm that develops has the potential to be the one that strikes.

The 68-year-old man had been suffering from severe symptoms from some kind of illness, such as abdominal pain and fever, for 10 days before he called watchstanders at Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu on May 6.

52-year-old Konane Zager of Kona was cited for violating state code relating to prohibited longline fishing within waters of the Hawai‘i State Territorial Sea. He is scheduled to appear June 19 in Kona District Court.

U.S. Coast Guard and partner agency crews had searched 200,048 square nautical miles for more than 242 combined hours by the time the agency suspended its search efforts for for missing 42-year-old Kona fisherman Earl “Oa” Hind at 3:30 p.m. the afternoon of April 15. Family and friends, however, are not giving up hope.

Strong, breaking waves of 20 to 26 feet are expected by this afternoon along north-facing shores, with breakers of 10 to 15 feet forecast along eastern shorelines through 6 p.m. Sunday on the Big Island.

3 pups have already been born this year. While monk seals can give birth at any time of the year, March through August is when a majority of young make their debut.

State health officials advised beachgoers and ocean enthusiasts 16 days ago to stay out of the waters in those areas that likely appeared brown or murky because of a threat of higher than normal pollutants from storm runoff.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Images that appear with this story could be upsetting to some readers. Discretion is advised.