Minor Coastal Flooding Expected Through Monday on Big Island Around Peak Tides

Officials with the National Weather Service say a coastal flood statement remains in effect through Monday afternoon and isolated minor coastal flooding is expected along Big Island shores as large surf combines with higher-than-forecast water levels. The advisory emphasizes that the greatest risk will occur at and around daily peak tides, particularly overnight and during early morning hours.

The National Weather Service product issued at 8:31 PM HST Thu Jan 29 2026, identified as /O.CON.PHFO.CF.S.0002.000000T0000Z-260203T0400Z/, states plainly: "Isolated minor coastal flooding." The product names vulnerable locations as "Vulnerable low-lying coastal roadways, docks, boat ramps and other coastal infrastructure." Local reporting echoed that language: "Minor coastal flooding is expected along the shores of the Big Island through Monday, Feb. 2, as a large surf combined with higher than forecast water levels, according to officials with the National Weather Service."

High surf will accompany the elevated water levels. The NWS advisory lists large breaking waves for nearby islands and specific shore forecasts for the state, including: "For north facing shores of Molokai, surf heights 12 to 16 feet, building into the 15 to 25 foot range by Friday afternoon. For west facing shores of Molokai, surf heights 8 to 12 feet, building into the 12 to 20 foot range Friday afternoon. For north facing shores of Maui, surf heights of 10 to 15 feet, building to 12 to 16 feet by Friday afternoon. For west facing shores of the Big Island, surf heights building to 6 to 8 feet." The same NWS text also notes a High Surf Advisory in effect until 6 PM HST Friday for some shores.

Impacts listed by the NWS and local outlets include flooding of beaches that are normally dry, minor coastal erosion, saltwater inundation of shoreline roadways and access points, and hazardous swimming conditions from strong breaking waves and currents. One concise advisory posting read: "A coastal flood statement is now in effect through Monday afternoon, as large surf and higher tides may cause minor flooding in low-lying areas."

Public guidance is specific and repetitive across official messages. Residents and boat owners are urged to move vehicles, electronics, and other valuables to higher ground and to monitor vessels. As local reporting summarized: "Residents and boat owners are encouraged to move vehicles, electronics, and other valuables to higher ground and to monitor vessels. Officials also advised securing canoes and other watercraft stored on beaches and using caution around boat ramps where overwash may occur." Authorities also advise avoiding driving through flooded roadways and rinsing vehicles with fresh water if they are forced to travel through salt water.

The image used in local coverage recalls previous high-tide flooding at Liliʻuokalani Gardens in Hilo; the file photo credit reads Courtesy of University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program Facebook page.

What this means for Big Island residents is practical and immediate: expect overwash at normally dry beaches during peak tides, protect vulnerable property now, and reroute or delay travel where roads are flooded. Monitor updates from the National Weather Service Honolulu and local emergency channels; the statement and surf advisory could be revised if conditions change.