LIHU‘E — The National Weather Service has issued a high-surf warning that remains in effect for south-facing shores through 6 p.m. today.
County and state officials are urging the public to stay away from the shorelines along Po‘ipu and other areas on the South Shore and west-facing beaches because significant wave run-ups on roadways and into properties near shore have been reported.
Other areas on Kaua‘i affected by the hazardous south swell include shorelines near the Salt Pond Beach Park, Kekaha Beach Park and other west-facing shorelines.
Earlier Sunday, the county closed portions of Ho‘one Road in Po‘ipu from Kuai Road to Pe‘e Road because of hazardous ocean conditions, road damage and runoff from the ocean. Officials urge the public to avoid the area. The road closure is in effect until further notice. Signs and barricades are in place.
In other areas, the pool at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort &Spa was reported to be closed due to run-over from the surf, and the Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort closed portions of its ocean path and the ocean cove due to runoff water and debris remaining after the waves came onto the property.
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said the highest South Shore surf in more than 25 years delivered as predicted.
DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers estimate one wave breaking off Diamond Head on O‘ahu reached 25 feet in height. DOCARE officers report a tow-in surfer being rescued off China Walls on O‘ahu’s east coast, and a pleasure craft was reported grounded and bobbing in the surf Sunday.
Its two occupants safely swam ashore, and there is no indication on when recovery efforts will start.
NWS officials said the historic south swell is combining with the remnant energy from Darby that was formerly a Category 4 hurricane, and the monthly king tides to produce dangerous waves forecast to build to 18 to 24 feet Sunday and dropping to 15 to 20 feet today.
The dangerous conditions are enhanced especially during high tides, which will take place this morning and evening.
Organizers with events near the shore are urged to relocate or reconsider postponing the event, and Kaua‘i Fire Department Ocean Safety Bureau officials are advising no swimming and snorkeling on south- and west-facing shores due to the dangerous ocean conditions.
OSB also urge beach-goers to refrain from entering the water because the large, breaking surf, significant shore breaks and dangerous currents create hazardous conditions. Anyone entering the water on the South Shore or west-facing shores could face significant injury or death, officials said.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
