Historic S. Shore Swell Damages Roads, Wows Spectators

Disclaimer: the video above includes explicit language. Watch at your discretion.

According to the National Weather Service, or NWS, a High Surf Warning remains in effect for all south-facing shores through 6 a.m. Tuesday across the state.

The County of Kaua‘i is assessing damages caused by the Southern Hemisphere swell. Details on repairs and further updates to Ho‘one Road in Po‘ipū and other county public structures will be announced when assessments are made. In addition, the Ocean Safety Bureau recorded 1,251 total preventions for the county over the weekend, with 937 from south facing shores, six rescues, and 27 assists. The county did not clarify specific prevention methods.

Although beachgoers and spectators were urged to use extreme caution near the dangerous conditions, one video captures people watching the waves at close distance, cheering on the spectacle, at one oceanfront restaurant Saturday night.

“I got it,” yells a spectator of the oncoming waves, in a video taken from the lawn at the Beach House in Po‘ipū, adding, “They’re coming in!”

While some people took to social media to post their experiences, other users were quick to respond to the dangers the videographers put themselves in.

“Careful! It doesn’t discriminate who it takes out,” wrote one user in the comment section.

On Monday, officials continued to emphasize the dangers of the swell.

“As a High Surf Warning and dangerous ocean conditions continue for the South Shore, we urge our residents and visitors to remain vigilant and stay away from the shorelines,” said Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami.

Surf of 12 to 16 feet has been projected for today.

Until further notice, Ocean Safety Bureau officials continue to advise no swimming and snorkeling on south and west-facing shores due to these dangerous ocean conditions.

For updated information on ocean and weather alerts, click here.

To reach the Department of Public Works Roads Division, call 808-241-4844

For up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and ocean safety, please speak to a county lifeguard at any lifeguard station, call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984 or click here.