Hawai‘i Surf Advisory Updates and Forecasts
Surf conditions along the north and west shores of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau have subsided, falling below the high surf advisory thresholds. As a result, meteorologists at the National Weather Service (NWS) in Honolulu have canceled the high surf advisory that had been in place until 6 a.m. today for those shorelines.
Latest Updates on Surf Conditions
February 7, 4:23 p.m. Update:
The NWS in Honolulu canceled the high surf advisory for east-facing shores of Kaua‘i. Initially, the advisory was extended until 6 p.m. today; however, surf levels have already fallen below advisory levels.
February 7, 8:53 a.m. Update:
A combination of a lingering northeast swell and an incoming northwest swell has resulted in high surf along most Hawaiian shorelines. The northeast swell is expected to continue decreasing throughout the day, while the northwest swell is peaking.
A high surf advisory remains in effect for east-facing shores of Kaua‘i until 6 p.m., with wave heights expected to reach up to 12 feet.
North and west shores of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau remain under advisory until 6 a.m. Saturday, as the northwest swell reaches its highest point.
Forecasted surf heights include up to 20 feet along north-facing shorelines and up to 15 feet along west-facing shores.
Ocean safety officials continue to warn that strong breaking waves and rip currents pose significant hazards to swimmers and surfers.
Previous Advisory Extensions
February 6, 4:20 p.m. Update:
A northeast swell affecting shorelines throughout the islands was expected to keep surf levels elevated along east-facing shores through Friday. At the same time, a powerful northwest swell was forecasted to build overnight and peak on Friday.
Due to these evolving conditions, the NWS in Honolulu:
Extended the high surf advisory for east-facing shores of Kaua‘i until 6 p.m. Friday, with waves reaching up to 10 feet.
Issued a new high surf advisory for north and west shorelines of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau, which will remain in effect until 6 a.m. Saturday.
Swells were expected to generate waves up to 20 feet along northern shores and up to 15 feet along western shores, creating hazardous conditions for swimming and surfing.
February 6, 9:37 a.m. Update:
The northeast swell was predicted to remain at its peak through the afternoon before gradually declining through Saturday. In response, the NWS in Honolulu continued the high surf advisory for east-facing shores of Kaua‘i until 6 p.m. that day, anticipating surf heights of up to 12 feet.
Forecasters emphasized that such high surf would produce strong breaking waves and currents, making ocean activities dangerous. The public was strongly encouraged to follow guidance from safety officials.
Looking Ahead: More Swells Expected
Despite the temporary decline in surf heights, forecasters are monitoring additional swells in the coming days.
A smaller northwest swell is expected to develop from Saturday night into Monday.
A larger west-northwest swell is likely to arrive by Tuesday and Wednesday, which could once again elevate surf heights across the islands.
As conditions fluctuate, ocean safety officials urge caution. Swimmers and surfers should remain aware of their surroundings and adhere to all safety recommendations. When uncertain about conditions, the best choice is to stay out of the water.