High surf warning in place for portions of Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau

Editor’s note: This story was updated to include a warning to beachgoers to stay out of Hanalei Bay because of high surf.

A high surf warning has been issued for north- and west-facing shores of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau through 6 p.m. Tuesday.

The warning may be extended, dropped, or modified as conditions develop.

Beachgoers are advised not to swim or engage in other ocean activities at Hanalei Bay because of high surf and hazardous ocean conditions.

According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, an extra-large long-period northwest swell moving through the Hawai‘i region this morning will swiftly build surf heights above warning levels along all exposed north- and west-facing shores through Tuesday.

Surf heights along north-facing shores are projected to reach 20 to 35. Surf heights along west-facing shores are projected to reach 15 to 24 feet.

Entering the water in these areas during the warning is hazardous and could cause serious injury or death, Kaua‘i County officials warned in a press release this morning. 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 NWS website, www.weather.gov/hfo.

For up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and ocean safety, 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.