Update: Kaua‘i’s east-facing shores now under high surf advisory as northeast swell slowly falls

7:36 a.m. Dec. 19 update: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has canceled the high surf warning for eastern shorelines of Kaua‘i as a moderate size, medium period northeast swell is slowly falling, causing surf to fall below warning level.

However, the swell is combined with days of amped up trade winds, continuing to produce surf of between 10 to 14 feet along the island’s east-facing shores. Because of that, a high surf advisory is now in effect until 6 p.m. today for those areas.

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

4:03 p.m. Monday update: The high surf warning was extended till 6 a.m. Tuesday for east-facing shores of Kaua‘i.

Surf of 14 to 18 feet is expected and 10 to 15 feet along north-facing shores.

Beachgoers should expect ocean water surging and sweeping across beaches, coastal benches and lava flows creating the potential for impacts to coastal properties and infrastructure, including roadways. Powerful longshore and rip currents will be present at most beaches. 

Large breaking waves and strong currents may impact harbor entrances and channels causing challenging boat handling.

7:06 p.m. Sunday update: Surf along exposed east-facing shores will peak Monday morning at warning levels as a short-lived northeast swell builds through the island chain late tonight. A downward trend is expected by Monday evening dipping below warning levels.

Surf is expected to be 14 to 18 feet. The National Weather Service in Honolulu reports that ocean water will surge and sweep across beaches, coastal benches, and lava flows creating the potential for impacts to coastal properties and infrastructure, including roadways.

Powerful longshore and rip currents will be present at most beaches. Large breaking waves and strong currents may impact harbor entrances and channels causing challenging boat handling.

Original post: A high surf advisory has been issued for east-facing shores of Kaua‘i until 6 p.m. Monday.

According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, a moderate, short-period northeast swell is expected along with days of amped-up trade winds.

Surf of 8 to 12 feet is expected. Strong breaking waves and strong currents will make swimming dangerous.