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Thousands warned of 20-foot waves at popular beaches

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Thousands warned of 20-foot waves at popular beaches


Thousands of Hawaii beachgoers were warned of 20-foot waves on Tuesday.

“Winter is when we see the highest surf that we get, and it’s usually on the north- and west-facing shores,” National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Joseph Clark told Newsweek.

Why It Matters

Significant wave activity triggered by a moderate-sized northwest swell has prompted the NWS to issue a high surf advisory for Hawaii’s north and west shores. The advisory, which affects some of the state’s beaches on Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, and Maui, underscores the ongoing exposure of island communities and tourists to marine hazards.

These events highlight the importance of following official warnings and reinforce the potential for dangerous swimming conditions, rescue operations, and impacts on coastal infrastructure. Similar weather-driven events have led to beach closures and water rescues elsewhere in the United States, emphasizing the need for vigilance during periods of high surf and strong currents.

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What To Know

NWS Honolulu has issued a high surf advisory that remains in effect until 6 p.m. HST on Tuesday. The advisory covers north and west-facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai, as well as the north-facing shores of Maui. According to the NWS, surf heights are expected to reach as high as 15 to 20 feet along north-facing shores and 12 to 16 feet along west-facing shores.

The source of this hazardous surf is a moderate-size, long-period northwest (320-degree) swell, which will impact the listed shorelines throughout the day. The NWS cautions that these wave conditions can result in strong breaking waves and powerful currents, presenting moderate impacts and making swimming dangerous. The advisory urges all residents and visitors to heed recommendations from ocean safety officials and to avoid entering the water if uncertain.

“When in doubt, don’t go out,” NWS Honolulu said.

The combination of high surf and strong rip currents significantly increases the risks for swimmers, surfers, and anyone near the water’s edge. Such advisories are part of a routine safety protocol designed to prevent injuries, water rescues, and fatalities.

Earlier this month, Hawaii public safety officials responded to numerous near drownings, water rescues, and medical incidents across Oahu during a high surf advisory, Hawaii News Now reported.

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The NWS recommends that people remain cautious and closely monitor local updates, particularly as conditions can change rapidly during ongoing swells.

In addition to the high surf advisory, NWS Honolulu also issued a small craft advisory.

What People Are Saying

NWS meteorologist Joseph Clark told Newsweek: “We are starting to get into that time of year where the surf is starting to come up on those shores.”

NWS Honolulu in a small craft advisory: “Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.”

What Happens Next

The high surf advisory is expected to remain in effect until at least 6 p.m. HST Tuesday. However, if the swell lingers, changes are possible, and the advisory will be extended. NWS officials will continue to monitor ocean conditions, providing updated advisories and warnings as needed.

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Hawaii Island asks for the public’s assistance finding elderly woman, Jacquelyn Glenn

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Hawaii Island asks for the public’s assistance finding elderly woman, Jacquelyn Glenn


HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance in locating 82-year-old Jacquelyn Glenn of Kailua-Kona, who was reported missing by her family.

Police said she is considered endangered due to her age.

Glenn was last seen on Friday, Dec. 5, around 6:37 a.m., on the 75-200 block of Nani Kailua Dr. in Kailua-Kona.

She was wearing a peach-colored shirt, blue denim jeans, and black tennis shoes. She reportedly mentioned going to Hilo with friends, but did not say when she planned to return.

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She is described as 5′6″, 125 Ibs, with curly grey hair and brown eyes.

Police ask anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jacquelyn Glenn to call the Hawaii Police Department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.



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Hawaii gets nearly $190 million for rural health care | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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Hawaii gets nearly 0 million for rural health care | Honolulu Star-Advertiser




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Hawaiian announces $600 million airport, wide-body upgrades | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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Hawaiian announces 0 million airport, wide-body upgrades | Honolulu Star-Advertiser


COURTESY HAWAIIAN AIRLINES

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Hawaiian Airlines today announced an investment of more than $600 million over five years to improve airport passenger areas across the state and interior upgrades to widebody aircraft.

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Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser ahead of today’s announcement at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport that other improvements will include better apps, a better website that will make it easier for passengers to change flights, among other things that also include better integration with Alaska Airlines, which acquired Hawaiian in 2024, making it a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group.

“We have pushed a lot of change through the system for the last couple of months,” Rakow said. “We’re working on integrating our ticketing systems because right now we’re on two separate ticketing systems that don’t talk to each other.”

After late April, she said, booking on the shared Alaska Air and Hawaiian Air ticketing system “will be much more seamless.”

In announcing the renovations and changes, Hawaiian pledged “a significantly smoother guest experience … once Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines share the same passenger service system and Hawaiian Airlines joins the oneworld alliance, both scheduled for late April.”

Right now, Rakow acknowledged, “unfortunately there is some friction.”

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“There’s been so many changes and all of that friction is really painful,” she said. “We are committed to making sure we are addressing the issues. … We are certainly not perfect, but we are committed to working together. … Really, after April, it is going to improve significantly.”

Each island airport also will see renovated lobbies and gates designed to increase comfort, provide better seating and amenities such as improved power charging.

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Daniel K. Inouye International also will get a new 10,600-square-foot lounge at the entrance of the Mauka Concourse in Terminal 1.

And starting in 2028, Hawaiian’s wide-body Airbus A330s will get new seats, carpets, lighting, business class suites, a Bluetooth-enabled in-flight entertainment system with high-definition screens and free Starlink Wi-Fi.

Gov. Josh Green said in a statement ahead of today’s announcement that, “Hawaiian Airlines’ investment is exactly the kind of long-term commitment Hawaiʻi needs. Modern, welcoming airports improve the experience for residents and visitors alike, strengthen our economy and keep Hawaiʻi competitive as a global destination. We appreciate Hawaiian Airlines’ partnership in advancing workforce development, regenerative tourism, clean energy, and community programs that reflect the values of our islands.”

The New Year began with a .75% increase in Hawaii’s Transient Accommodations Tax that will help the state fight climate change.

Rakow said that Hawaiian is working to better inform inbound passengers about how to respect Hawaii’s culture and environment.

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Hawaiian said it will continue to support “programs promoting regenerative tourism, culture and conservation.”

The airline also said it will fund grants to nonprofit organizations “promoting cultural programs, environmental preservation, and perpetuation of native Hawaiian art and language through the Alaska Airlines | Hawaiian Airlines Foundation.”




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