Hawaii Island Information Update for December 31st, 2019

A High Surf Warning for the West Shores of Hawaii Island remains in effect until 6 am Wednesday morning (January 1st, 2020).

Due to the High Surf Warning, the following beaches have been closed: Mahukona Wharf, Spencer Beach Park, Kauna'oa and Mau'umae Beaches will remain closed through today. Also, camping permits at Spencer Beach Park have been suspended for today as well. The conditions will be reassessed tomorrow morning.

No Rescues have been reported as of 10:00 am Tuesday morning.

The Hawaii County Civil Defense reports High Surf Warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) has forced the closure of several Kohala Coast beaches Tuesday morning (December 31st).

The following beaches have been closed due to the High Surf:

• Mau'umae Beach

• Kauna'oa Beach (Maunakea Beach)

• Spencer Beach Park*

• Mahukona Wharf

Also, camping permits for Spencer Beach Park for Tuesday, December 31st, 2019, have also been suspended due to the High Surf.

Reports from HIRSC team moderators and also Admin Ben reports swelling facing from chest to over-head size surf was spotted at Mau'umae Beach and also Anaeho'omalu Bay (which still remains open at this time). Chest to head high sets were also reported at Manini'owali Bay (Kua Bay) and at Mahia'ula Bay. Lifeguards at Kua Bay have also posted warning signs to warn beachgoers of high surf conditions.

The Hawaii Fire Department (HFD) including Ocean Safety reports no ocean rescues or surf-related injuries have occurred or been reported as of 10:30 am Tuesday morning.

If any changes or new information is received, we will provide an update as it becomes available.

NWS statement as of 9:00 am Tuesday morning:

HIGH SURF WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM HST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Surf of 30 to 40 feet along north and west facing shores
  of Niihau and Kauai today, lowering to 22 to 30 feet tonight.
  Surf of 25 to 35 feet along north facing shores of Oahu, Molokai
  and Maui today, lowering to 20 to 28 feet tonight. Surf of 18 to
  26 feet along west facing shores of Oahu and Molokai today,
  lowering to 14 to 20 feet tonight. Surf of 10 to 16 feet along
  west facing shores of the Big Island through tonight.

* WHERE...North and west facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu,
  and Molokai, north facing shores of Maui, and west facing
  shores of the Big Island.

* WHEN...Until 6 AM New Year`s Day.

* IMPACTS...Very High...Expect ocean water surging over the
  coastline, creating the potential for damage to coastal
  properties and infrastructure. Powerful currents will be
  present at most beaches. Large breaking waves and strong
  currents may impact harbor entrances causing challenging boat
  handling. Anyone entering the water could face death.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Stay well away from the water`s edge along the affected
shorelines. Use extreme caution when launching or landing boats
along the affected coasts. Ensure that boats are hauled well away
from the shore.