Officials Warn No Swimming at Hanalei Bay and North-Facing Shores

Ocean Safety Bureau officials issued an advisory on Feb. 24 telling the public to avoid Hanalei Bay and all north‑facing shores of Kaua‘i because of high surf and hazardous ocean conditions. “Ocean Safety Bureau officials are advising no swimming or other ocean activities at Hanalei Bay and all north-facing shores due to high surf and hazardous ocean conditions,” the advisory states, and county lifeguards have posted warning signs and are monitoring affected beaches.

The National Weather Service tied to the Feb. 24 advisory warned that a High Surf Warning would remain in effect through 6:00 p.m. Feb. 24 for north‑ and east‑facing shores of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau, forecasting “surf up to 18 to 25 feet along north‑facing shores” and “up to 12 to 16 feet along east‑facing shores.” The NWS language carried in the advisory stressed the danger: “Entering the water in these areas during the High Surf Warning is hazardous and could cause serious injury or death. Beachgoers are also advised to use extreme caution, as large breaking waves could make it dangerous for those standing along the shoreline.”

Some local outlets reported different NWS phrasing and higher surf estimates for separate or earlier warnings. The Garden Island published that “A High Surf Warning is in effect through 6 p.m. today for north- and west-facing shores of Kauai and Niihau,” and forecasted “surf up to 20 to 35 feet along north-facing shores” and “up to 15 to 24 feet along west-facing shores.” KauaiNow described an earlier extra‑large northwest swell that rapidly built and was expected to peak late Nov. 29 into Nov. 30, noting that for that event “Surf heights along north-facing shores were forecast at peak heights of 35 to 40 feet,” and that a high surf warning remained in effect through noon Monday, Dec. 1. Reporters and county officials say those larger numbers correspond to the late‑November swell and should not be conflated with the Feb. 24 advisory without confirmation from NWS Honolulu.

County notices from November record a separate safety action at Hanalei Bay after a shark sighting. GovDelivery posted that “OSB officials report that a 8‑foot shark was sighted in Hanalei Bay today, November 11, at approximately 5 p.m. No injuries were reported. As a safety precaution, OSB officials have posted warning signs and will continue to monitor the area. Lifeguards will reassess the area later this evening. If there are no other sightings, the beach will reopen to ocean activities at 5 p.m. Wednesday, November 12.” KITV’s reporting of that episode identified the location as a popular surf spot known as “The Bowl,” saying, “On Monday afternoon, a large tiger shark was spotted in the waters off Hanalei Bay at a popular surf spot known as 'The Bowl.' No injuries were reported.” KITV noted lifeguards planned a reassessment the following day and cited an expected reopening time that differed from the county notice.

Ocean Safety officials continue to advise caution and to provide updates through lifeguard stations. For current conditions, the advisory directs people to speak to a Kaua‘i County lifeguard at any lifeguard station, visit the Safe Beach Day Kaua‘i page, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808‑241‑4984; the National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office is the authoritative source for the High Surf Warning text. County lifeguards and OSB officials say they will continue monitoring Hanalei Bay, Hā‘ena and other north‑facing shores until the warning expires and surf conditions subside.