A High Surf Advisory is in effect for the south-facing shores of all Hawaiian islands through early Tuesday morning as a long-period south-southwest swell builds. Lifeguards say rapidly rising waves and strong currents could make swimming hazardous this weekend, even at popular beaches that usually feel like a safe bet.
Forecast Calls For Big South Swell
According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, south-shore surf is expected to reach 8 to 12 feet by Sunday morning and peak near 10 to 14 feet in the afternoon and evening. West shores exposed to the swell could climb to 7 to 10 feet, creating hazardous shorebreak and choppy harbor entrances for small craft.
Lifeguards Brace For Rough Weekend
Honolulu Ocean Safety lifeguards say the swell will impact some of Oahu’s most crowded stretches of sand, including Waikiki, Ala Moana and China Walls, and are urging beachgoers not to underestimate it. "Large south swells can create deceptively dangerous conditions, even at beaches that may appear calm at first glance," Honolulu Ocean Safety Department spokesperson Chris Latronic told Hawaii News Now. The department warned that inexperienced swimmers and visitors unfamiliar with local conditions should stay out of the water during the peak of the swell.
Honolulu Ocean Safety's checklist, per Hawaii News Now, includes swimming only at beaches staffed by lifeguards, never turning your back on the ocean, observing posted warning signs, keeping children within arm's reach and choosing calmer, lifeguarded spots for inexperienced swimmers. Lifeguards also urged surfers, bodyboarders and paddlers to honestly assess their skill level and avoid conditions that are beyond their abilities, even if the lineup looks tempting.
West Side And King Tides In The Mix
Forecasters say the swell could reach normally sheltered west-facing breaks, so areas such as Kailua-Kona on Hawaiʻi island and the Kāʻanapali coast on Maui may see elevated surf and stronger currents. The National Weather Service in Honolulu also flagged the combination of King Tides and the swell as a trigger for minor coastal flooding and wave runup near peak afternoon tides.
If you are heading to the shoreline this weekend, officials say to stick to lifeguarded beaches, obey posted flags and lifeguard instructions and avoid rocky points where large sets can sweep people off their feet. For the latest conditions and any beach closures, keep an eye on ocean safety channels and official National Weather Service updates.
