A high surf warning for the Big Island’s north- and east-facing shores has been extended through 6 a.m. Thursday. Some north-facing shores along the North Kona coast will also see high surf. A high surf warning for the Big Island’s
A high surf warning for the Big Island’s north- and east-facing shores has been extended through 6 a.m. Thursday. Some north-facing shores along the North Kona coast will also see high surf.
A fetch produced by a storm low north and a strong high pressure system far to the northwest of the state has generated a large north swell that will peak later today, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
The service forecast waves ranging in height from 25 to 35 feet along for the island’s north-facing shores and 15 to 20 feet along east-facing shores. The coastline from Upolu Point in North Kohala to Richardson Beach Park in Hilo will feel the brunt of the high surf.
A portion of the Kona coastline, from Keahole Point to Kiholo Bay, is also forecast to see high surf. The service forecast waves ranging in height from 15 feet to 25 feet. Kona will see some of the surf because the swell will travel through the Alenuihaha Channel and catch the exposed north-facing shores, particularly near Kekaha Kai State Park.
The service categorized the surf’s impact as “very high” warning that waves may sweep across portions of beaches, roadways, coastal benches and lava flows.
Hilo Bayfront Highway remained closed Wednesday morning, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
The National Weather Service also warned of powerful longshore and rip currents and that breaking waves may impact harbors making navigating the harbor channel dangerous. It further cautioned inexperienced swimmers to remain out of the water and off beaches and adjacent beachfront areas.
