Roaring surf is hitting east-facing shores of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, Kahoʻolawe, and the Big Island, with a High Surf Warning in effect through 6 a.m. HST on Tuesday. Strong northeast trade winds and a solid swell are creating large breaking waves, hazardous shore breaks, and powerful rip and longshore currents, prompting lifeguards and harbor officials to monitor conditions and potentially close beaches, boat ramps, and coastal roads if access becomes unsafe.
HIGH SURF WARNING
— Hawaii EMA (@Hawaii_EMA) February 9, 2026
for east facing shores of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui Kahoʻolawe and the Big Island in effect until 6 AM HST Tuesday (2/10).
The alert went out early Monday from the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, which spelled out the affected islands and the 6 a.m. HST Tuesday expiration time. The agency also reminds followers that its social media account is not monitored around the clock and tells anyone facing an emergency to call 9-1-1.
What To Expect Along the Coast
The National Weather Service in Honolulu reports that east-facing surf is expected to reach roughly 10 to 15 feet in many areas and could push into warning levels Monday and Tuesday as winds strengthen behind a cold front, producing dangerous shore break and strong currents, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu. That translates to sudden, punishing shore break and powerful longshore and rip currents that can knock people down and sweep them from beaches or off rocks. Boaters can also look for rough seas and possible overwash at channel entrances.
Harbors, Roads And Possible Closures
Local reports and county bulletins flag the risk that a mix of high surf and higher-than-expected tides could push seawater onto low-lying roads, and that harbors may experience surges and overwash at ramps, according to Hawaii News Now. During past swell events, that kind of setup has led to temporary closures of beach parks and wharves on some islands, and officials say similar closures could return if conditions deteriorate.
How To Stay Safe
Officials are urging residents and visitors to stay off shore rocks and benches, avoid going into the water, secure small craft and move vehicles or other valuables to higher ground. A county press release also advises people to check in with local lifeguards or county websites for the latest beach status and to call Ocean Safety Bureau numbers where they are listed. Kauaʻi County recommends using the SafeBeachDay site for up-to-date conditions, according to Kaua‘i County. Anyone who spots a person in distress in the water is urged to call 9-1-1 rather than attempting a rescue on their own.
