UPDATE: High surf advisory for Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau now through 6 p.m. Wednesday

Updated Jan. 3, 2023 at 3:30 p.m.: A high surf advisory is in effect for north-facing shores of Niʻihau and Kauaʻi until 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

Surf is building to 14 to 18 feet.

Updated Jan. 3, 2023 at 7:20 a.m.: A high surf warning for north- and west-facing shores of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau has been extended to 6 p.m. on Jan. 3.

Surf of 16- to 18-feet forecast for north-facing shores. Surf of 10- to 14-feet forecast for west-facing shores.

Original post: No more than a couple of days after a swell brought advisory level surf to some Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau shorelines, the National Weather Service in Honolulu is expecting an even more powerful swell to impact the same areas to start the work week.

A high surf warning for north- and west-facing shores of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau has been issued from midnight to 6 a.m. Monday, Jan. 3.

Surf along north-facing shores is expected to rapidly rise to 20 to 30 feet and 15 to 20 feet for shorelines facing west. An incoming northwest swell is expected to rapidly build through the night and peak Monday at warning levels.

Entering the water in these areas during the high surf warning is very hazardous and could cause serious injury or death. Expect very strong breaking waves and powerful currents. Waves breaking in channel entrances also might make navigating the channels dangerous.

Beachgoers are advised to use extreme caution, as large breaking waves could make it dangerous for those standing along the shoreline.

For updated information about ocean and weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website.

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