Update: High surf advisory is canceled

Update at 3 p.m. on Jan. 1: High surf advisory for north- and west-facing shores of Ni‘ihau and Kaua‘i is canceled.

Update at 9:33 a.m. on Jan. 1: The high surf advisory has been extended for north and west shorelines of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau to 6 p.m.

Large breaking waves of 10 to 16 feet along north-facing shores are expected along with 8 to 12 feet along west-facing shores.

Strong currents will make swimming dangerous.

Update at 3:35 p.m. on Dec. 31: A high surf warning has been canceled and an advisory is now in effect till 6 a.m. Monday for Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau.

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

Beachgoers should expect strong breaking waves and currents, making swimming dangerous.

Update at 8:25 p.m. Dec. 30: The high surf advisory in effect for north- and west-facing shores of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau has been upgraded to a high surf warning, which is in effect until 6 a.m. Jan. 2, 2024.

According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, a large northwest swell will build tonight and peak during the day Sunday at warning levels. The swell will then slowly decline Sunday night into early next week.

Surf is expected to build to between 20 and 30 feet along north shorelines and 15 to 20 feet along west-facing shores.

Expect very strong breaking waves and powerful currents. Waves breaking in channel entrances could make navigating the channels dangerous.

The public is advised to stay away from shorelines along the affected coasts. Be prepared for road closures. Postpone entering or leaving channels affected by the high surf until the surf subsides.

Original post: A high surf advisory is in effect until 6 a.m. New Year’s Day for north and west shorelines of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu says a large north swell that was previously causing high surf will continue to subside through tonight. However, a new large northwest swell will fill in late tonight into Sunday morning, peak Sunday afternoon, then subside into early next week.

Along north-facing shores of the two islands, surf is expected to build to between 14 and 18 feet late tonight, then 18 to 22 feet Sunday afternoon. Along west-facing shores, surf building to 8 to 12 feet is expected late tonight, then 12 to 16 feet by Sunday afternoon.

Strong breaking waves and strong currents along these shorelines will make swimming dangerous.

The public in the advisory areas should heed all advice from ocean safety officials. When in doubt, don’t go out.