National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists are warning that dangerous surf along Hawaii’s north- and west-facing shores will be strong enough to potentially cause road closures near the affected shores.

Why It Matters

Hawaii is a popular destination, and the NWS Honolulu office is warning tourists and residents alike to stay away from the shoreline along the north- and west-facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai and the north-facing shores of Maui. Surf as high as 35 feet is likely to surge and sweep across beaches, coastal benches and lava flows, impacting coastal properties and even infrastructure and roadways.

What To Know

A high surf warning was issued early Friday morning and will remain in place until Saturday morning.

The strong waves are caused by a large northwest swell that is expected to peak Friday afternoon and evening. In addition to the high surf, the swell will cause “powerful longshore and rip currents” at most beaches.

Harbor entrances could be impacted by large breaking waves and strong currents, the high-surf warning said, and channels also could be impacted, leading to challenging boat handling.

Surf will be highest for north-facing shores at 25 to 25 feet. West-facing shores are expecting surf of 18 to 22 feet.

The swell is originating from the northwest Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and Japan. Swells are normal for the Aloha State this time of year, but the typical surf size is 18 feet, making the ongoing surf higher than normal.

A small craft advisory is also in place, warning boaters that sea conditions could be hazardous to small craft.

What People Are Saying

NWS meteorologist Derek Wroe told Newsweek: “There are some areas that are more vulnerable than others. Certain areas that the beach is a bit lower. If there’s a road that’s close to it, sometimes waves will surge, run up the beach and push onto the road. It’s not very unusual for us to get surf of this size in January.”

NWS Honolulu, in a high-surf warning: “Stay away from the shoreline along the affected coasts. Be prepared for road closures. Postpone entering or leaving channels affected by the high surf until the surf subsides.”

What Happens Next

The high-surf warning is expected to expire by 6 a.m. local time Saturday morning.

In addition to the high surf, rain showers are expected on Friday as a cold front pushes down the island chain, according to the NWS Honolulu forecast. Another cold front is expected by the middle of next week, increasing the chance of rain and thunderstorms.

Wroe said there are no significant swells on the horizon that could prompt a high surf warning in the coming week.

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – After being found with 71 fentanyl pills in Hilo, Cody Araw is now sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Officers arrested the 32-year-old from Pepeekeo outside the Suisan Warehouse in April 2024.

Araw later pled guilty to possession of fentanyl and heroin.

71 fentanyl pills is equivalent to about 4,000 lethal doses.

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HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Nurses and advocates rallied at the state Capitol Thursday for the need to improve patient care and strengthen Hawaii’s health care system.

Representatives from Hawaii’s three major nurses unions — the Hawaii Nurses’ Association, Hawaii Nurses and Healthcare Professionals, and the United Nurses and Health Care Employees of Hawaii — were joined by legislators, and labor and community leaders.

Their call includes legislation aimed at ensuring safer staffing and enhancing patient safety and quality of care in hospitals.

State Rep. Sean Quinlan, House majority leader, says he’s introducing what’s called the Hawaii Safe Staffing Proposal, which would establish enforceable patient-to-nurse ratios, ensure transparency, and improve accountability in hospital staffing practices.

“Unfortunately, I know from my own experience in my life that nurses are such a critical part of any stay in a hospital, especially an extended stay, and I want to make sure that the public understands that this is not about the nurses. This is about the patients that they serve,” he said.

Advocates say Hawaii lacks vital protections, forcing health care workers to face systemic challenges that compromise patient outcomes.

Rosalee Agas-Yuu, RN, president of the Hawaii Nurses’ Association became emotional when talking about recent contact battles with Kapiolani Medical Center and The Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu, and now Wilcox Medical Center on Kauai.

“I’m listening to 140 nurses at Wilcox on Kauai fighting for the ratio, so please understand, this is important. We want it all equal across Hawaii,” Agas-Yuu said. “This is for the state of Hawaii. We shouldn’t have to fight like this at every battle. Every negotiation should be the same everywhere.”

Christian Fern, executive director, University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) AFT Local 6625, said: “When our keiki or kupuna enter a hospital, we shouldn’t have to worry whether a nurse will be available to give them the attention they need for their recovery or to identify symptoms that require immediate intervention. That’s what we pay for. This law will sent a standard for all hospitals across our state and will ensure our ohana will receive quality care and ensure all of Hawaii’s valued nurses are treated fairly and equitably.”

The hospitals say patient safety is their top priority.

In a statement Tuesday, Wilcox Medical Center president and CEO Jen Chahanovich said in part: “Each medical center is different with its own support teams. Our Medical Surgical unit cares for a variety of conditions. That is why we are proposing to work together with our nurses to adjust staffing levels as needed through a staffing council using national standards.”

Copyright 2025 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.