A high surf warning remains in effect for the Big Island’s north- and east-facing shores through 6 p.m. today. Some north-facing shores along the North Kona coast will also see high surf.
A high surf warning remains in effect for the Big Island’s north- and east-facing shores through 6 p.m. today. Some north-facing shores along the North Kona coast will also see high surf.
The large north swell fueling the surf is expected to decline today, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
The service forecast waves ranging in height from 20 feet to 25 feet today and lowering to 12 feet to 18 feet later tonight and Friday on north- and east-facing shores, according to forecasters. On east-facing shores, the waves will range in height from 10 feet to 15 feet today and decreasing to 5 feet to 8 feet tonight and Friday.
A portion of the Kona coastline, from Keahole Point to Kiholo Bay, is also forecast to see high surf, though not as high as is expected along the Hamakua Coast, from Upolu Point in North Kohala to Richardson Beach Park in Hilo, according to forecasters.
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. The National Weather Service also warned of powerful longshore and rip currents and that breaking waves may impact harbors making navigating harbor channels dangerous. It further cautioned inexperienced swimmers to remain out of the water and off beaches and adjacent beachfront areas.