Update at 3:42 p.m. Nov. 5, 2026: The National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu extended a high surf advisory until 6 p.m. Friday for north and west shorelines of Kaua’i and Ni’ihau as what now is a large long-period north-northwest swell is expected to peak well-above advisory levels through Thursday evening before slowly declining late tonight and throughout Friday.
Surf heights of 16 to 22 feet are now forecast along north-facing shores and 10 to 16 feet along west-facing shores of both islands.
Story originally published 5:21 p.m. Nov. 4, 2026: A high surf advisory is in effect from early Thursday through early Friday for north and west shorelines of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau as National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu expect a moderate, long-period north-northwest swell to arrive and fill in through Thursday morning, lifting surf heights to advisory levels.
The advisory takes effect at 6 a.m. Thursday and is set to expire at 6 a.m. Friday.
Surf heights of 14 to 18 feet are forecast along north-facing shores, with heights of 10 to 14 feet along west-facing shores.
Moderate impacts are expected, including strong breaking waves and strong currents that will make swimming and other ocean recreation dangerous along the advised shores.
The public is advised to heed all advice from ocean safety officials; when in doubt, don`t go out.
