High surf conditions caused a few closures in West Hawaii.
The National Weather Service issued a high surf warning for west-facing shores of Hawaii Island, predicting a large northwest swell to peak Monday and then gradually diminish through Tuesday. The warning was downgraded to an advisory early Tuesday. Wave heights of 6 to 10 feet were forecast. A short-period swell from the north may also affect some exposed east-facing shores.
Because of these conditions, the National Weather Service warned ocean water may occasionally sweep across portions of beaches and there will be very strong breaking waves and strong currents. Breaking waves may also occasionally impact harbors exposed to the swell, making navigating the harbor channel dangerous.
“Stay out of the water and well away from the shoreline along the affected coasts. Inexperience people should remain off beaches and adjacent beachfront areas,” the National Weather Service stated in its coastal hazard message at 3:37 a.m. Monday. “Large breaking surf, significant shore break and dangerous currents make entering the water very hazardous. Anyone entering the water could face significant injury or death.”
Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park officials temporarily closed certain areas while they assessed damage caused by high surf and did cleaning. The closure was reported around 8 a.m. Monday and it affected the royal grounds, picnic area and puuhonua, or refuge quarters.
Around 10:30 a.m., park officials announced the picnic area and royal grounds had reopened, but the puuhonua remain closed because of flooding. The shoreline was also closed because of continuing high surf. In addition, the public was advised to be aware of the possibility of other temporary closures at the park Tuesday, when high surf warnings are expected to continue, and to call the visitor center at 328-2326, ext. 1702, for updated information.
Because of high surf conditions, the county Department of Parks and Recreation closed Kohanaiki Beach Park to overnight campers Monday.
The North Kona beach park — known for its popular “Pine Trees” surfing and diving spot — was open for day use only, and the access gate was locked nightly at the normal 9 p.m. closing time. It will be reopened for overnight use as soon as conditions allow. A follow-up announcement will be issued when normal operating hours resume, county officials said.
For more information, contact Parks and Recreation spokesman Jason Armstrong at 961-8311 or jarmstrong@hawaiicounty.gov.
