Hawaii
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.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A Marine was sentenced to 26 years for murdering his wife on base as the Army investigates another spouse found dead on Schofield Barracks weeks earlier.
Wives are sounding the alarm about the violence and lack of information being provided to the community by military leadership.
Staff Sgt. Alonzo Alcantara was sentenced on Sept. 30, 2025, for the murder of his wife, Ruby Tenorio Alcantara, who died just over a year prior, on Sept. 1, 2024.
Alcantara admitted in court to using a rear-naked chokehold, a martial arts technique taught by the Marines, to kill his wife during an argument about finances and his legal troubles.
But the autopsy report that HNN Investigates obtained shows she had a lot more injuries, indicating Alcantara did more that just a chokehold.
The couple’s 8-year-old son witnessed the violence, it was revealed in court, and their younger child was also in the home at the time.
RELATED POST: Marine admits to killing wife using chokehold he learned from the Corps
Ruby Tenorio Alcantara’s sister, Monica, said the Marines failed to protect the victim.
Alcantara was already facing criminal charges for child sex crimes when he killed his wife.
“If he’d just been confined, then this wouldn’t have happened,” Monica said. “They could have done more. He found out that he was being investigated almost a year before he killed my sister, and he was just continuing to work and live his life.”
Alcantara admitted to chatting on an app with someone he thought was a 15-year old girl, but it was actually a sting operation by NCIS.
Former military prosecutor Kevin O’Grady explained that military judicial procedures differ from civilian courts, with no bail system and higher standards for pre-trial confinement.
“It is a high standard to hold somebody in pre-trial confinement. It is not the default,” O’Grady said. “The government has to have enough evidence to show that he’s a flight risk, he’s not amenable, will not follow orders, he’s likely to either obstruct justice or re-offend.”
In Alcantara’s case, the commander chose not to hold him in pre-trial confinement.
Alcantara pleaded guilty for the murder and to child enticement.
There have been a series of other violent crimes against military wives.
RELATED POST: Schofield soldier sentenced to 23 years in prison for killing pregnant wife
Two months before Ruby Alcantara’s murder, Army soldier Dewayne Arthur Johnson II killed his pregnant wife, 19-year-old Mischa Johnson, at Schofield Barracks using a machete.
He received a 23-year sentence after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter. He was also charged with child pornography crimes, but those were dismissed as part of the deal.
RELATED POST: Mother hopes for justice for slain daughter at Marine’s upcoming trial
Marine Sgt. Bryant Tejeda-Castillo is scheduled for trial in February 2026 for the alleged stabbing death of his pregnant wife, 27-year-old Dana Alotaibi, along an Oahu freeway in February 2022.
And most recently, on Sept. 11, 2025, another soldier’s wife was found dead on base at Schofield Barracks, though the military has released no other information about the incident.
RELATED POST: HNN Investigates woman’s mysterious death at Schofield Barracks
Military spouse Shantelle Rackowski-Villafuerte expressed frustration with the lack of transparency from officials.
“The leadership of the military is continuing to fail victims,” she said. “It was very upsetting to me that another life has been taken, that there’s no reporting about it. There’s no public information.”
The Alcantara children are now living with family members who are struggling to pay the bills. There is a GoFundMe set up to help.
SPECIAL SECTION: The Other Side of Paradise
Copyright 2025 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
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.
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.
Copyright 2025 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
2 Seattle hotels earn Michelin awards for excellent service
San Diego wants hotels and restaurants to pay more for valet stands and on-street dining. It’s not going over well.
First five concerts revealed for new Milwaukee live music venue Landmark Credit Union Live
Body of missing 6-month-old found near Clayton County apartment complex
Can you burn leaves in Indianapolis? No, and the fine is expensive. When leaf collection starts
Why Marjorie Taylor Greene was ‘kicked out’ of the Freedom Caucus according to Rep. Buck
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
Trump Halts Billions in Grants for Democratic Districts During Shutdown
Trump posthumously awards Charlie Kirk Presidential Medal of Freedom: Photos
‘New Normal’: Is Pakistan trying to set new red lines with Afghan Taliban?
Democrats threaten to sue Trump team over ‘illegal’ firings as shutdown battle escalates
European Commission delays decision on asylum seeker quotas
-
Augusta, GA5 days ago‘Boom! Blew up right there’: Train slams into semi in Grovetown
-
Wisconsin6 days agoAppleton Public Library wins 2025 Wisconsin Library of the Year award for distinguished service
-
Business6 days agoLos Angeles Times Media Group takes step to go public
-
Virginia6 days ago
Match 13 Preview: #8 Virginia
-
Vermont6 days agoFeds: Springfield dealer ran his drug business from Vermont jail
-
West Virginia7 days agoWest Virginia eatery among Yelp’s “outrageous outdoor dining spots”
-
News5 days agoWhat we know about the charges against New York’s Attorney General Letitia James
-
Politics6 days agoSpanberger refuses to urge Jay Jones to exit race, dodges questions after ‘two bullets’ texts