Huge waves with 40-foot faces were rolling into Hanalei Bay yesterday, forcing Kaua’i County water safety officials to close all beaches from Kalihi Wai to Ha’ena. Since the large waves and associated strong currents were expected to continue even if
Huge waves with 40-foot faces were rolling into Hanalei Bay yesterday, forcing Kaua’i County water safety officials to close all beaches from Kalihi Wai to Ha’ena.
Since the large waves and associated strong currents were expected to continue even if swells decrease as forecast, the same beaches likely will remain closed today, said one county water safety officer.
County lifeguards Mark McKamey and Carl Ragasa made a few water rescues in the North Shore area yesterday, mostly of surfers who lost their boards in the huge swells and got stuck in currents, one supervisor reported.
McKamey and Ragasa also were kept busy telling residents and visitors of the dangers of the large surf, currents and shore breaks that can sweep unsuspecting people out to sea. The lifeguards also encouraged surfers to wait for a smaller, cleaner day.
Even though the waves weren’t really clean enough to surf yesterday, some big-wave riders reportedly were still tempted to paddle out.
Big waves also pounded Oahu’s North Shore on Monday. The National Weather Service said waves reached 25 to 30 feet and were expected to drop to 15 to 20 feet by today.
The waves were large enough to hold the Eddie Aikau big wave surf competition at Waimea Bay. Waves of at least 20 feet are required to stage the contest.
A high surf warning remained in effect for northwest-facing shores of all Hawaiian islands.
Forecasters say the next major swell will arrive Sunday.
Staff writer Paul C. Curtis and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
