High Surf Advisory issued for Hawaiian Islands, Prompting Beach Closures and Safety Warnings
HONOLULU, HI – July 25, 2023 – A High Surf Advisory remains in effect for the south-facing shores of all major Hawaiian Islands as of 3:00 PM HST today, prompting warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS) and impacting recreational activities. the advisory, initially issued Monday, was set to expire at 6:00 PM HST Tuesday but officials are closely monitoring a new swell expected to arrive later this week.
the current conditions are being driven by a moderate-sized, long-period south swell that peaked Monday night. Waves are reportedly reaching 8 to 12 feet, wiht sets up to 15 feet possible, notably along exposed shorelines.Affected areas include Niihau, Kauai Southwest, Waianae Coast (Oahu), Maui Leeward West, and the South Kona and puna districts of the Big Island.
The NWS Honolulu warns that strong breaking waves and powerful rip currents are creating hazardous swimming conditions. Ocean safety officials are urging residents and visitors to heed all warnings and avoid entering the water if there is any doubt about safety. Several beaches have proactively closed, including portions of Waikiki Beach on Oahu and beaches in West maui. Lifeguards are actively patrolling affected areas and enforcing closures where necesary.
Understanding Hawaii’s Summer Surf Patterns
High surf during the summer months is a common occurrence in Hawaii, particularly on south-facing shores. Unlike the large, powerful north swells that dominate the winter season, summer swells typically originate from the southern Pacific Ocean, often generated by storms near New Zealand. These swells travel vast distances, losing some energy but still delivering meaningful wave heights to the islands.
According to NWS meteorologist Derek Wroe, the current swell originated east of New Zealand, a typical source region for Hawaiian summer surf.”It’s coming from a distant swell…so it travels quite a long time to get here,” Wroe explained to Newsweek. The average surf height for Hawaii’s south shores during the summer is around 6 feet, making the current conditions notably elevated.
This isn’t the first high surf event of the summer.A similar advisory was in place last week, with waves reaching up to 14 feet. That swell also originated south of New Zealand. NWS meteorologist Laura Farris previously told Newsweek that these conditions are a recurring pattern during the summer months.
Safety Recommendations & Future Outlook
The NWS Honolulu emphasizes the importance of ocean safety, stating, “Strong breaking waves and strong currents will make swimming dangerous. Heed all advice from ocean safety officials.When in doubt, don’t go out.”
Beyond swimming, activities like snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking are also discouraged during the advisory period. Even experienced water users are cautioned to exercise extreme caution.
Looking ahead, the NWS is forecasting another south swell to arrive late Wednesday or early Thursday. This new swell has the potential to bring advisory-level waves back to the region, extending the period of hazardous conditions. Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed by monitoring official NWS updates via their website (https://www.weather.gov/hfo/) and local news sources. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) also provides critical updates and safety information (https://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/).
Additional Details:
Specific Beach Closures: As of 2:00 PM HST, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation reported partial closures of Waikiki Beach, specifically areas near Kuhio Beach. West Maui beaches, including Kaanapali Beach, are also experiencing closures.
Impact on Water Activities: Several tour operators offering snorkeling and diving excursions have temporarily suspended operations due to the hazardous conditions. Rip Current Awareness: The NWS stresses the danger of rip currents, which can pull even strong swimmers away from shore. If caught in a rip current, swimmers are advised to swim parallel to the shore until they escape the current, then swim towards the beach. Contact Information: For emergency assistance, dial 911. Non-emergency inquiries can be directed to the Honolulu Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Division at (808) 723-3341.
