Hawaii’s north and east shores are staying rough and rowdy a little longer than hoped, with a High Surf Advisory for Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui and the Big Island now extended through 6 p.m. HST this evening. Officials are warning that large breaking waves, strong rip currents and possible harbor surges will keep many popular beaches and boat ramps hazardous through the afternoon and into the evening.
High Surf Advisory Extended for north and east facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and the Big Island until 6 PM HST this evening (2/25)
- Hawai'i Emergency Management Agency (@Hawaii_EMA) February 25, 2026
Advisory details
According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, the advisory covers north- and east-facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui and the Big Island and is scheduled to expire at 6 p.m. HST this evening. Forecasters expect north-facing surf of 15 to 20 feet through the morning, easing to 12 to 16 feet in the afternoon, while east-facing shores are projected to see 10 to 14 feet before slowly dropping later in the day.
The NWS bulletin urges beachgoers to stay cautious, stating, “Heed all advice from ocean safety officials. When in doubt, don’t go out,” and warns of strong breaking waves, powerful currents and heavy surges in north-facing harbors such as Hilo and Kahului. The same product also keeps a Small Craft Advisory in place across many coastal waters through 6 p.m. HST, urging mariners and small-boat operators to avoid open water until seas calm, per NWS Honolulu.
Local warnings and lifeguards
Kaua‘i County lifeguards have posted no-swimming advisories at Hanalei Bay and other north-facing beaches, and Ocean Safety crews are monitoring conditions and placing warning signs, according to Kaua‘i Now. Lifeguards are reminding the public to stay well back from the waterline and to avoid standing on sea cliffs or rocks where sneaker waves can quickly sweep people into the surf.
Boaters and harbors at risk
County notices on the Big Island flag the chance of overwash and temporary closures at harbor ramps and low-lying coastal roads, and officials recommend securing vessels and moving vehicles to higher ground, per Big Island Now. Harbor masters may restrict access while sea surges and rough conditions persist, and mariners are being urged to hold off on departures until advisories are lifted.
Official reminder from HI-EMA
The state emergency agency has highlighted the advisory on its social channels and notes that its accounts are not monitored around the clock, so anyone facing an immediate danger should call 9-1-1, according to the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency. Residents and visitors are encouraged to check county lifeguard pages and the National Weather Service for the latest updates as the swell gradually declines this evening.
