graphic by BIVN
(BIVN) – The High Surf Warning issued for all south-facing shores in Hawaiʻi will remain in effect until 6 p.m. Monday, as the highest south-shore swell in more than 25-years hit the islands.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu said surf heights of 18 to 22 feet were expected into Sunday night, lowering to 15 to 20 feet on Monday.
The popular Punaluʻu Beach Park in Kaʻū was one of the many Hawaiʻi island beaches closed due to the High Surf Warning, but that didn’t stop crowds from gathering to view the spectacle from a safe distance.
Big waves rolled over the south-facing shores of the other islands, as well. On Oʻahu, an officer with the Hawaiʻi DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement estimated one wave off Diamond Head topped 25-feet on Sunday morning.
The Hawaiʻi County beaches that were closed Saturday and Sunday included:
Puna
- Isaac Hale
Kaʻū
- Punaluʻu
- Whittington-Honuʻapo
Kona
- Miloliʻi
- Hoʻokena
- Manini Point-Napoʻopoʻo
- Honaunau Boat Ramp
- Kahaluʻu
- Magic Sands-Laʻaloa
- Pahoehoe
- Honl’s
- Hale Halawai
- Old Kona Airport
- Kohanaiki
These beach parks will be assessed Monday morning to determine closure status, officials say.
by Big Island Video News
on at
STORY SUMMARY
KAʻŪ, Hawaiʻi - Crowds gathered at the closed Punaluʻu Beach Park in Kaʻū in order to watch the waves roll in.