A high surf warning remains posted until 6 p.m. Thursday for west-facing shores of the Big Island.
A high surf warning remains posted until 6 p.m. Thursday for west-facing shores of the Big Island.
Although a very large northwest swell arrived later than expected, latest buoy observations indicate that the surf remained “dangerously large and powerful,” National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu said. The surf is expected to peak Wednesday night and diminish through Thursday night.
Wave heights of 8 to 12 feet are expected along west-facing shores of the Kona and Kohala coasts through 6 p.m. Thursday.
The service also issued a high surf advisory for north-facing shores of the Big Island through 6 p.m. Thursday. Along those shores, forecasters are calling for 12- to 16-foot waves.
The service categorized the surf’s impact as “high,” cautioning the public to be wary of ocean water sweeping across portions of beaches and very strong breaking waves and longshore and rip currents.
Mariners are urged to use caution when entering or leaving harbors, including Honokohau Small Boat Harbor in North Kona. The service also noted boaters should keep an eye out for surfers using harbor channels to access surfing areas.