High surf warning remains in effect; several beach parks closed
A high surf warning remains in effect for west-facing shores of the Big Island until 6 p.m. Tuesday.
A large northwest swell has peaked and will briefly drop below warning levels. However, a new larger swell was expected to arrive by Monday night and quickly push surf heights above the warning level yet again for the north- and west- facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai; the north facing-shores of Maui; and west-facing shores of the Big Island, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
Wave heights of 8 to 12 feet are forecast for affected shores of the Big Island.
According to Hawaii County Civil Defense, Kahaluu and Laaloa beach parks in Kona and Mahukona Beach Park in North Kohala are closed due to the high surf.
Forecasters cautioned oceangoers should expect ocean water occasionally sweeping across portions of beaches, very strong breaking waves, and strong longshore and rip currents.
Breaking waves may occasionally impact harbors making navigating harbor channels dangerous. Boaters should also be aware of an increased number of surfers and body boarders utilizing the harbor channel to access surfing areas.
