In effect from Thursday, Jan 29 2026 3:39 PM - Friday, Jan 30 2026 6:00 PM
Issued by NWS Honolulu HI
HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST FRIDAY FOR NORTH
AND WEST FACING SHORES OF NIIHAU KAUAI AND OAHU...
...COASTAL FLOOD STATEMENT IN EFFECT FOR ALL HAWAIIAN ISLANDS...
.Two significant northwest swells are expected to impact the
state over the next few days. The first moderate to large, long
period northwest swell will peak overnight tonight into early
morning Friday. The second overlapping, larger, long period
northwest swell will build in on Friday and peak late Friday into
Saturday before subsiding through the rest of the weekend. The
first swell will produce High Surf Advisory (HSA) conditions
tonight for north and west facing shores of Niihau, Kauai and
Oahu. The peak of the second will push surf height above warning
levels from late Friday through Saturday for the same northwest
islands, expect the HSA to expand in coverage to the islands of
Molokai, Maui and west facing shores of the Big Island by Friday.
A combination of large surf and higher than predicted water levels
will lead to flooding of beaches that typically remain dry,
especially at and around the peak daily tide.
What:
North facing shores, Surf heights 12 to 16 feet, building
into the 15 to 25 foot range by Friday afternoon. West facing
shores, surf heights 8 to 12 feet, building into the 12 to 20
foot range Friday afternoon. A combination of surf and high
water levels will produce nuisance coastal flooding.
Where:
Niihau, Kauai, and Oahu.
When:
For the High Surf Advisory, until 6 PM HST Friday. For
the Coastal Flood Statement, during the overnight early morning
hours at and around the time of the peak daily high tide through
Monday afternoon.
Impacts:
Flooding of beaches that are normally dry, minor
coastal erosion, and saltwater inundation. Moderate. Strong
breaking waves and strong currents will make swimming
dangerous.
Instructions: Avoid driving through flooded roadways. If you are forced to
drive through salt water, be sure to rinse your vehicle with
fresh water. Move electronics, vehicles or other valuables to
higher ground. Monitor vessels to ensure mooring lines don't get
too tight and watch out for overwash around boat ramps. Secure
canoes or other watercraft stowed on beaches.
Heed all advice from ocean safety officials. When in doubt, don't
go out.
