High Surf Advisory Issued For Hawaii: What Tourists Need To Know To Remain Alert!

Published on November 23, 2025

Hawaii’s north and west-facing shores have been placed under a high surf advisory, which has implications for Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai and Maui, the islands with the majority of tourist activities. Honolulu’s National Weather Service (NWS) revealed that the advisory would run from November 22 until 6 PM HST on Sunday, November 23. The advisory’s main message is that ocean conditions will be unsafe for swimming and other activities as the surf will be as high as twenty feet on some shores. Therefore, tourists are asked to be very careful.

What You Need to Know About the High Surf Advisory

The swell, originating from the northwest at angles between 310 to 320 degrees, began to build rapidly on the afternoon of November 22. It is forecast to peak during the evening before gradually subsiding on Sunday. This swell is expected to bring powerful waves to the northern and western shores of the Hawaiian islands, making for hazardous beach conditions.

• Where: North and west-facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, and Maui.
• When: The advisory is active until 6 PM HST Sunday, with the highest surf expected late this afternoon and evening.
• What: Surf heights could reach 15 to 20 feet along the north-facing shores, and 10 to 14 feet along the west-facing shores.
• Impacts: Moderate. Strong breaking waves and powerful currents will make swimming and other water activities dangerous.

Affected Tourist Destinations

Several iconic beaches and tourist spots are included in the advisory’s scope. Visitors to these areas should remain vigilant of the surf conditions:

• Niihau: The “Forbidden Island” is famous for its untouched beauty, but its shores are particularly vulnerable to high surf.
• Kauai: Known for its lush landscapes and breathtaking beaches, including the Na Pali Coast, the island’s north shore will experience the highest surf.
• Oahu: Famous for Waikiki Beach, Oahu will be impacted, especially along the North Shore, which is known for its massive waves and surfing competitions.
• Molokai: The island, known for its peaceful atmosphere and rural charm, will face dangerous surf on both the north and west-facing beaches.
• Maui: The island’s north-facing shores, including the popular Ho’okipa Beach Park, will also be affected, making water activities unsafe.

Tourist Safety Protocols

Hawaii’s tourism board and ocean safety officials have provided several safety guidelines to ensure that visitors stay safe during the high surf conditions:

• Follow ocean safety signs: All beachgoers should respect posted signs and instructions from lifeguards, especially at popular beaches like Waimea Bay and Makaha.
• Stay out of the water: Strong currents and high waves make it dangerous for swimmers. It is advised that tourists avoid entering the water, especially during the peak surf hours this evening.
• Be cautious on the shoreline: Even if you’re not planning to swim, strong waves may reach further onto the shore, posing a risk to anyone close to the water’s edge.
• Monitor local reports: Tourists should keep an eye on updates from local authorities and the National Weather Service for any changes to the advisory and further instructions on ocean safety.

Impact on Tourism

While high surf can be a thrilling sight for tourists who enjoy watching big waves from a safe distance, it can also have an impact on local tourism. Hawaii’s beaches are a key part of the island’s allure, drawing thousands of visitors each year who are eager to enjoy the warm weather and crystal-clear waters. However, it’s essential that tourists respect safety guidelines, particularly during advisory periods like the one in effect.

Local tourism businesses, including hotels and resorts on affected islands, are expected to implement additional safety measures, ensuring that guests are aware of the potential risks. For instance, hotels may limit beach access, provide shuttle services to safer locations, or offer indoor activities that allow guests to stay safe while still enjoying the beauty of Hawaii.

Ocean Safety and Preparedness

The NWS strongly advises tourists to heed all advice from ocean safety officials during the advisory period. While the high surf will subside over the weekend, the risk of dangerous waves remains until Sunday evening. To ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday, visitors should:

• Always stay informed about current weather conditions.
• Avoid risky beach activities, such as surfing or swimming, when high surf advisories are in place.
• Understand that high surf can also cause flooding along coastal areas, which could impact beach access and waterfront businesses.

Final Thoughts

In summary, the tourists are advised to be careful and to follow the ocean safety rules during this high surf advisory. Though the beaches of Hawaii are still one of the biggest attractions of the state, safety should always be the number one concern. The size of the swell is likely to drop by Sunday night, but until that, it’s very important that everyone follows the safety measures to avoid injuries and enjoy the beauty of Hawaii in a safe way.