UPDATE: High surf warning in effect noon Saturday through noon Monday for Kauaʻi, Niʻihau

Update 4 p.m. on Nov. 28: The National Weather Service has issued a high surf warning for north- and west-facing shores of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau that will be in effect from noon Saturday until noon Monday.

The islands will experience an extra large long-period northwest swell that will rapidly build Saturday afternoon and peak late Saturday night into Sunday morning.

Surf heights along north-facing shores are projected to reach 35 to 40, while west-facing shores are forecast to receive waves of 20 to 30 feet.

Entering the water in these areas during the high surf warning is very hazardous and could cause serious injury or death. Beachgoers are also advised to use extreme caution, as large breaking waves could make it dangerous for those standing along the shoreline.

For updated information on ocean and weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website at www.weather.gov/hfo.

For up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and ocean safety, please speak to a county lifeguard at any lifeguard station, visit https://safebeachday.com/county/kauai/, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.

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.