High Surf Advisory Issued for North and West Shores of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau
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As of December 16, 2025, a high surf advisory is in effect for north- and west-facing shores of Kauaʻi and niʻihau, posing hazardous conditions for ocean activities. Officials are urging the public to exercise extreme caution and heed all warnings.
Current Surf Conditions & Warnings
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a high surf advisory for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau. As of this morning, meaningful wave heights are being observed, and hazardous conditions are expected to persist. Specifically:
* North-facing shores: Surf heights of 12 to 16 feet are forecasted.
* West-facing shores: Surf heights of 8 to 12 feet are forecasted.
Ocean Safety Bureau officials are advising no swimming, snorkeling, surfing, or any other ocean recreational activities along all north-facing shores of Kauaʻi, including Hanalei Bay. County lifeguards are reinforcing these warnings and have posted warning signs. The advisory is currently in effect through 6:00 PM HST today, December 16, 2025, but conditions are subject to change.
Safety Recommendations & Precautions
High surf conditions create dangerous rip currents and strong shorebreak. Even experienced water users can be caught off guard. The following precautions are strongly recommended:
* Heed all warning signs: Pay close attention to posted beach warnings and flags.
* Obey lifeguard instructions: Lifeguards are the best source of current information and safety advice.
* Avoid exposed shorelines: Stay away from areas where waves can break with force against rocks, jetties, or other structures.
* Never turn your back to the ocean: A single large wave can sweep you off your feet.
* If caught in a rip current: Do not fight the current. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, then swim at an angle away from it. If you cannot swim out of the current, float or tread water and call for help.
Staying Informed: Resources for Updated Information
Several resources provide up-to-date information on ocean and weather conditions:
* National Weather Service (NWS): http://www.weather.gov/hfo – This website provides the latest weather forecasts, advisories, and warnings.
* County of Kauaʻi Ocean Safety Bureau: 808-241-4984 – Contact the Ocean Safety Bureau directly for current conditions and safety information.
* Safe Beach Day Kauaʻi: http://safebeachday.com/county/kauai/ – This website provides information about Kauaʻi ocean conditions and safety tips.
* County Lifeguards: Speak to a lifeguard at any lifeguard station for the most current local conditions.
Primary Keyword: High Surf Advisory
Secondary Keywords: Kauaʻi, niʻihau, Ocean Safety, Rip Currents, Hazardous Surf, Hanalei Bay, National Weather Service, Beach Safety, Hawaii Weather.