UPDATE: High surf advisory extended for northern, western shorelines of Ni‘ihau, Kaua‘i

Update at 6:24 a.m. Dec. 31, 2025: The high surf advisory for north and west-facing shores of Ni‘ihau and Kaua‘i was extended until 6 p.m. today.

Overlapping, medium-period northwest and north-northwest swells will maintain advisory-level surf with little change through Wednesday evening (Dec. 31).

Forecasters at the National Weather Service office in Honolulu report large breaking waves of 10 to 16 feet along northern shorelines and 8 to 12 feet along western shorelines will persist.

Strong breaking waves and strong currents will make swimming dangerous in the advisory areas.

The public is reminded to heed all advice from ocean safety officials — when in doubt, don`t
go out.

Surf is expected to decline through Friday.

Original story published at 7:55 a.m. Dec. 29, 2025: A high surf advisory was issued for north- and west-facing shores of Ni‘ihau and Kaua‘i as a large, medium-period northwest (330-340 degree) swell begins to fill in today.

According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, that swell will be followed by an overlapping long-period north-northwest (350-degree) swell that will build tonight into Tuesday.

Surf heights of up to 10 to 15 feet are expected along north-facing shores today, building to 12 to 16 feet on Tuesday. Surf heights of 8 to 12 feet along west-facing shores are expected.

The advisory is slated to last until 6 a.m. Wednesday.

The surf is expected to have moderate impacts. Strong breaking waves and currents will make swimming dangerous.