UPDATE: High surf advisory extended for north and west shorelines of Kauaʻi, Niʻihau

Update at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 27, 2025: Forecasters with the National Weather Service in Honolulu extended a high surf advisory for the north- and west-facing shores of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau until noon Friday (Nov. 28).

A moderate, long-period northwest swell that peaked Thursday morning (Nov. 27) has lifted surf to high surf advisory heights along northern and western shorelines of both islands. A quick-hitting reinforcing northwest swell is also expected to arrive early Friday morning, which will help maintain advisory level surf.

Large surf of 15 to 20 feet is forecast for north-facing shores, while west-facing shores will see breakers of 10 to 12 feet.

Impacts are expected to be moderate, with the strong breaking waves and strong currents making swimming dangerous. The public is reminded to heed all advice from ocean safety officials.

When in doubt, don’t go out.

Surf along the northern and western shorelines of the islands should significantly decline by Friday afternoon and evening.

Original story posted at 4:06 p.m. Nov. 25, 2025: The National Weather Service has issues a high surf advisory for north and west facing shores of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, beginning at 6 a.m. Wednesday and lasting until 4 a.m. Friday.

A large long-period northwest to north-northwest swell will quickly fill in Wednesday morning and peak Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

The forecast is for the surf to rise to 15 to 20 feet along north facing shores and 10 to 15 feet along west facing shores.

The high surf advisory also is for west facing shores on Oʻahu and Molokaʻi and north facing shores of Maui.

Strong breaking waves and strong currents will make swimming dangerous. Heed all advice from ocean safety officials. When in doubt, don’t go out.