Some waves were over 30 feet high at Hanalei and other North Shore beaches on Kaua’i Wednesday, and north-facing beaches today remain closed to swimming and other beach activities as a result of a north swell that rumbled in early
Some waves were over 30 feet high at Hanalei and other North Shore beaches on Kaua’i Wednesday, and north-facing beaches today remain closed to swimming and other beach activities as a result of a north swell that rumbled in early yesterday.
Even though waves were predicted to be a bit smaller today, the combination of huge waves and an early-morning high tide today have lifeguards on a high state of alert, said Kaleo Ho’okano, Kaua’i County water safety supervisor.
Though county lifeguards weren’t called upon to make any water rescues yesterday, they were kept busy with preventive duties, Ho’okano said.
Another north swell expected to arrive some time Saturday is also predicted to bring in waves nearly the same size as Hanalei experienced yesterday, he said.
A high-surf warning was posted for north and west-facing shores, and a small-craft advisory was also issued. Both are expected to remain in effect today.
Visitors and others went to North Shore-area beaches to watch the massive waves. Some taking photographs felt they were running for their lives from waves crashing on the beaches.
Ho’okano said lifeguards at Kekaha yesterday were reporting clean surf of six to eight feet, with sets to 12 feet.
Meanwhile, on Oahu, spectators wanting a glimpse of 30-foot waves crowded roads leading to that island’s North Shore, but most people heeded authorities’ warnings to stay out of the rough surf, officials said.
The National Weather Service on Wednesday issued a high surf warning for all northwest facing shores. The warning was expected to continue through the night, with the 20 to 30-footers not expected to taper off until Thursday.
Staff writer Paul C. Curtis and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
