High Surf Forces Widespread Beach Closures on Big Island

A large west-northwest swell arriving in the islands today has already forced the closure of several beaches along the west facing shores of the Big Island.  Closures as of 9 a.m. included Kahaluu, Laaloa, Magic Sands, Kohanaiki, Pine Trees, and Kukio.

File image.

Here in Maui County, there is a High Surf Advisory in effect for the North and West facing shores of Maui, Molokai and Lanai until noon on Monday.

Beach goers are urged to stay out of the water and well away from the shore break due to strong rip currents, hazardous wave action, and localized beach erosion

Surf along north facing shores is expected to peak at 16 to 22 feet, while west shore surf will be in the 8 to 14 foot range.  Surf will peak today and continue through Monday morning.

A high tide of approximately 1.2 feet is expected between 11:13 a.m. and 12:31 p.m. this afternoon. The next high tide of approximately 2.8 feet is expected between 1:46 a.m. and 3:04 a.m. Monday morning.

(Posted by Wendy Osher, supporting information courtesy National Weather Service)