Hawaii High Surf Advisory Results in Closure of Popular Tourist Beaches Ka‘aka‘aniu, Kē‘ē, Kahalu‘u, Magic Sands, and Mahukona Warf

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Beaches across Kauai and Hawaii Island were shuttered to the public on Friday due to a high surf advisory and perilous ocean conditions. Kauai authorities issued a warning against entering waters spanning from Ka‘aka‘aniu Beach, also known as Larsen’s Beach in Moloa‘a, to Kē‘ē Beach, as well as along the scenic Na Pali Coast.

On Hawaii Island, local civil defense agencies confirmed the closure of Kahalu`u, Magic Sands, and Mahukona Warf beach parks to safeguard visitors. Meanwhile, Oahu’s Ocean Safety Department reported a busy day with four rescues, including a significant rescue at Waimea Bay and three at Laie Point. Lifeguards were kept on their toes with nearly 3,500 preventative actions, urging beachgoers to maintain a safe distance from the unpredictable shorebreak.

Despite the high surf advisory, the allure of giant waves attracted crowds to Oahu’s North Shore, reminiscent of the excitement during last Sunday’s Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, though the waves were slightly smaller. The Backdoor Shootout, another famed surfing competition, is set to commence its holding period on January 4, keeping the thrill of surfing alive in the hearts of many.

The advisory, impacting north and west-facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai, as well as the north-facing shores of Maui and west-facing shores of Hawaii Island, is expected to remain in effect until 6 a.m. Saturday. Forecasters anticipate waves ranging from 22 to 26 feet along the north-facing shores, which are expected to decrease to 15 to 20 feet by Saturday morning. Similarly, waves along the west-facing shores are also expected to subside from 15 to 20 feet to a more manageable 12 to 16 feet by morning.

Entering the waters under these conditions is highly discouraged as it poses a serious risk of injury or even death. Beachgoers are urged to exercise extreme caution near the shorelines where large waves can prove hazardous. The strong currents and powerful longshore are likely to affect harbor operations and may impact coastal properties and infrastructure, including roadways. Authorities continue to vigilantly monitor the situation and will provide updates as conditions change.