Hawaii

Thousands warned of 20-foot waves at popular beaches

Published

3 hours ago

October 14, 2025

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.

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.

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

Winter airfares to four Hawaiian islands from MSP are in the $400s

Published

15 hours ago

October 14, 2025

Press Room

Winter airfares to four Hawaiian islands from MSP are in the 0s

Don’t look now, but Alaska Airlines’ recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines has created new airfare competition to the Aloha State for the winter of 2025-26, including from Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Alaska, Delta, United and American are all jumping in with bargain one-stop service from MSP airport to the four major Hawaiian islands: Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Ironically, the capital of Honolulu (on Oahu) is currently the least inexpensive right now.

Delta Air Lines still offers the only nonstop flight from Minnesota to the 50th state, but it’ll cost you: The MSP-Honolulu direct flight starts at $1,378 this winter. Delta also briefly offered a nonstop from MSP to Maui’s Kahului Airport in 2022, but it canceled that route after Maui’s tragic wildfires that year.

For a true Hawaii bargain, you’ll need to choose a manageable basic economy ticket with a stop on the West Coast. Our soft spot for booking Hawaii is any round-trip fare at or below $600, and you can find those right now all over your Kayak or Google Flights fare calendars throughout November, January and February.

Screenshot taken from Google Flights on Oct. 13 shows the best one-stop airfares from Minneapolis-St. Paul to four Hawaiian destinations, for one-week stays over the next six months: Kauai (LIH), Honolulu on Oahu (HNL), Kahului on Maui (OGG), and Kailua-Kona on the Big Island (KOA). (Google Flights)

Sample fare: $462 from MSP to HNL on Alaska/Hawaiian (one stop), Feb. 6-12.

Don’t overlook the vibrant charms of Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. Stay within walking distance of the beach.

Learn to surf: Waikiki is the optimal environment for beginning surfers. It is the birthplace of the sport. Several nearby businesses offer surfing lessons or board rental for as little as $20 for 1-3 hours. The gentle rolling waves enabled me to stand and ride several waves for the first time. Unforgettable.

Hanauma Bay snorkeling: In the volcanic crescent of Hanauma Bay, you’ll find stunning luminescent, turquoise waters, framed by endless, inviting beach. Below the surface, the nature preserve reveals a kaleidoscope of parrotfish, butterfly fish, meandering rays and sea turtles. Snorkeling reservations are required two days in advance beginning at 7 a.m. through the Honolulu website.

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Hawaii

Thousands of Kaiser Permanente employees to go on historic five-day strike

Published

1 day ago

October 13, 2025

Press Room

Thousands of Kaiser Permanente employees to go on historic five-day strike

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – In an unprecedented move, more than 31,000 registered nurses and healthcare professionals are set to begin a five-day strike against Kaiser Permanente.

Workers in Hawaii and California with the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals are set to start picketing at 7 a.m. on Tuesday.

Workers from more than 500 Kaiser Permanente facilities are pushing for safe staffing, equitable pay, and the future of patient care, according to a statement from the union.

Two Kaiser Permanente facilities on Oahu where picketing is expected to start Tuesday are the Honolulu Medical Office at Pensacola Street and the Moanalua Medical Center on Moanalua Road.

Kaiser Permanente’s Maui Lani Medical Office located on Maui Lani Parkway will also be participating.

The strike is set to end at 7 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19.

Click here for more information.

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Hawaii

Man, 31, arrested in violent carjacking traffic spree on Big Isle | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Published

2 days ago

October 13, 2025

Press Room

Man, 31, arrested in violent carjacking traffic spree on Big Isle | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

COURTESY HAWAII POLICE DEPARTMENT

Pomaikai Olson

A Naalehu man, 31, has been arrested for first-degree robbery after a violent crime spree in Volcano on Saturday afternoon, according to the Hawaii County Police Department.

At 4:43 p.m., police dispatch received multiple calls about a reckless driver heading Hilo-bound on Highway 11 within the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. A man was allegedly driving recklessly with a stolen white Dodge pickup truck, forcing oncoming vehicles off the roadway and causing several traffic collisions, according to a news release.

As officers responded to the call, a 62-year-old woman called police and reported her Hummer H3 had been carjacked at gunpoint near Highway 11 and Luna Ikena Road.

The suspect was later identified as Pomaikai Olson who reportedly left the white pickup truck in the roadway and fled with the Hummer heading toward Hilo.

Police dispatch received more calls of a reckless driver in a Hummer. Olson who was allegedly driving the stolen Hummer ran two marked police vehicles off the runway and struck three more vehicles before it was disabled.

Olson allegedly exited the disabled Hummer and attempted to flag down passing motorists. A man, 79, reported that when he slowed down Olson pointed a firearm in his direction and demanded control of the his vehicle. The man fled the area and dialed 911.

Olson reportedly approached a nearby resident by foot on the 17-400 block of Volcano Road in Kurtistown and attempted to enter a home by force. A male resident, 53, confronted Olson who pointed a firearm at him and demanded the keys to his parked Dodge pickup truck. The man gave him the keys.

Olson allegedly entered the truck, hit the gas, struck a parked vehicle then reversed when he nearly struck a 26-year-old man who jumped out of the vehicle’s path. Olson allegedly continued on Highway 11 where he struck another vehicle and disabled the Dodge truck.

He attempted to flag down passing motorists and reportedly threw the firearm at a passing vehicle. The 53-year-old man and and his 26-year-old nephew restrained Olson until police arrived and took him into custody at 5:05 p.m.

Police later determined the weapon Olson was using was an airsoft pistol that closely resembled a real firearm.

Area 1 Criminal Investigation Section detectives responded to multiple scenes to investigate. The stolen Hummer and Dodge pickup trucks were both recovered pending execution of search warrants. Detectives determined Olson did not have permission to operate the white Dodge pickup truck owned by a family member.

Police detectives will confer with the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney to determine any charges.

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the events or may have been a victim to contact detective Amy Omaya at 808-961-2381 or email amy.omaya@hawaiipolice.gov.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide CrimeStoppers number at 808-961-830. Tipsters may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

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