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.
At UH Hilo, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi is not simply a subject taught in classrooms, it is a living language that connects us to this place, to one another, and to the generations who came before us.
This column is by Pelehonuamea Harman, director of Native Hawaiian engagement at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. In her columns, Pele shares Native Hawaiian protocols on the use of ōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language), cultural traditions, traditional ways of Indigenous learning, and more. This column is on Mahina ʻOlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language Month), celebrated every February to honor the Hawaiian language.Pelehonuamea Harman
Each year, the month of Pepeluali marks Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, a time dedicated to celebrating and uplifting the Hawaiian language. At the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi is not simply a subject taught in classrooms, it is a living language that connects us to this place, to one another, and to the generations who came before us.
While Pepeluali gives us a focused moment of celebration, the Hawaiian language should not live only within a single month. ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi thrives when it is used every day.
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One of the simplest and most meaningful ways to begin is by pronouncing the words we already encounter daily with accuracy and care. Hawaiian is an oral language carried through voice and relationship. When we take the time to say words correctly, we demonstrate respect for the language and for the poʻe (people) who have worked tirelessly to ensure its survival.
Across our own campus, we have opportunities to do this every day.
Let us honor the names of our places by using them fully:
An attendee at celebrations on May 6, 2023, takes a photo of the new Edith Kanakaʻole mural by artist Kamea Hadar. The mural is located at Edith Kanakaʻole Hall, named after beloved educator Aunty Edith, on the campus of UH Hilo. (Photo: UH System News)
Kanakaʻole Hall, not “K-Hall.” (Formally Edith Kanakaʻole Hall, named after our beloved kumu.)
Waiʻōlino, not “CoBE,” for our College of Business and Economics. (Formally Hānau ʻO Waiʻōlino; waiʻōlino literally means sparkling waters, alluding here to bringing forth waters of wellbeing and prosperity.)
These names are not merely labels for buildings. They carry ʻike (knowledge), history, and meaning. Speaking them in their entirety acknowledges the stories and values embedded within them.
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Using ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi does not require fluency. It simply requires willingness. Each of us already knows words we can begin using more intentionally.
Greet one another with aloha.
Express gratitude with mahalo whenever possible.
Small choices like these help normalize Hawaiian language in our daily interactions and strengthen UH Hilo’s identity as a place grounded in Hawaiʻi.
One of the most common questions I am asked is: How do you respond in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi when someone says “mahalo” to you?
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Here are three simple and appropriate responses:
ʻAʻole pilikia — It’s no problem.
He mea iki — It is just a little thing.
Noʻu ka hauʻoli — The pleasure is mine.
There is no single correct answer. What matters most is participating in the exchange and allowing the language to live through conversation.
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Aerial view of the UH Hilo campus with Hilo Bay in the distance. UH Hilo’s commitment to Native Hawaiian success and place-based education calls on all of us to help create an environment where ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi is visible, audible, and welcomed. (Archive photo)
UH Hilo holds a unique and important role as Hawaiʻi Island’s university. Our commitment to Native Hawaiian success and place-based education calls on all of us to help create an environment where ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi is visible, audible, and welcomed.
You do not need to wait until you feel ready. You do not need to know many words. The language grows stronger each time it is spoken.
So during Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and throughout the entire year I encourage the UH Hilo ʻohana to:
Use the Hawaiian words you already know.
Pronounce names and places with intention and care.
Greet others with aloha.
Share mahalo often.
Because when we use ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, we are doing more than speaking words, we are helping to perpetuate and uplift the native language of our home.
E ola ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. Let the Hawaiian language live.
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Tread Rosenthal, Trevell Jordan and Louis Sakanoko put up a triple block against BYU Cougars Trevor Herget during Wednesday’s NCAA men’s volleyball match at the Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.
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Kainoa Wade came on strong to lead another balanced Hawaii attack with 16 kills and the third-ranked Rainbow Warriors responded to a rare set loss in a big way to defeat No. 6 Brigham Young 27-25, 23-25, 25-17, 25-18 tonight.
A Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center crowd of 4,800, who showed up for a match scheduled just three weeks ago as a late addition to the schedule, saw Hawaii (13-1) drop the second set despite hitting .538.
UH had full command of the rest of the match and finished the night hitting .460 as a team. Louis Sakanoko added 15 kills, six digs and three aces and Adrien Roure had 14 kills in 24 swings.
Middle Travell Jordan posted a season-high seven kills in 11 swings with four blocks and Ofeck Hazan, who came into the match to start the third set, had four kills and two blocks.
Trent Moser had 18 kills to lead the Cougars (13-3), whose previous two losses came in five sets against No. 4 UC Irvine.
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UH’s loss in the second set was just its sixth of the season and third in its 13 wins. Hawaii has won 10 matches in a row.
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The two teams will play again on Friday night at 7.
