Predictions of surf reaching as high as 50 feet during high tide on Kaua‘i’s North Shore this morning have county officials worried about crowds swarming to Hanalei-area beaches for looks at the monster surf. A smaller swell, dangerous in its
Predictions of surf reaching as high as 50 feet during high tide on Kaua‘i’s North Shore this morning have county officials worried about crowds swarming to Hanalei-area beaches for looks at the monster surf.
A smaller swell, dangerous in its own right, decreased during the day yesterday, but still prompted Kaua‘i Fire Department Ocean Safety Bureau officials to close all North Shore county beaches to swimming.
While sets as big as 20 to 30 feet prompted KFD Ocean Safety Bureau leaders to close all North Shore beaches yesterday, county Offices of Community Assistance Recreation Agency officials also closed both Ha‘ena Beach Park and Hanalei’s Blackpot Beach Park to overnight camping yesterday.
Officials indicated that ocean conditions are hazardous for all beach uses, including swimming, snorkeling and surfing. National Weather Service forecasters said surf could surge to 30 to 50 feet today, coinciding with a two-foot high tide near sunrise.
Although the North Shore beaches were expected to reopen today, Ocean Safety Bureau officials said closure today could occur based on a review of ocean conditions this morning. The public is reminded to check with county lifeguards before entering the ocean.
Waves on the Westside are also expected to be between 20 and 30 feet today.
Anyone with questions may contact the Ocean Safety Bureau at 241-6506.
The giant surf is being generated by strong winds northwest of the islands, part of a storm front, said National Weather Service forecasters.
Forecasters were comparing the huge waves to a similar swell in 1998.
Weather service forecasters said another large swell was due to arrive in the islands Friday night or Saturday.
The huge swells mean Titus Kinimaka and other Kauaians have caught flights to O‘ahu in anticipation that the Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational surf contest will take place. It is held only when waves are 20 feet or larger.
