Hawaii County Issued High Surf Advisories
Officials warned of rising waves along east and southeast shores due to Hurricane Nolo and shifting winds.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Surfing
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Hawaii County officials have issued a high surf advisory for east and southeast facing shores, citing elevated waves from Hurricane Nolo. The advisory also extends to the east facing shores of Molokai and Maui as strong trade winds impact current conditions.
Why it matters
The advisory is driven by a southerly swell generated by Hurricane Nolo, which is expected to reach hazardous thresholds. Monitoring these conditions is essential for public safety as the swell is projected to expand across the state.
Official surf observations and buoy readings confirmed that southerly swell levels have hit advisory thresholds. This development follows the reclassification of Tropical Storm Nolo into Hurricane Nolo.
The players
Hurricane Nolo
This tropical weather system is the primary driver of the current southerly swell and advisory-level surf conditions.
Hawaii County
The local government authority responsible for issuing safety advisories and monitoring coastal conditions across the region.
The details
Local authorities identified that a combination of strong trade winds and the intensifying storm system has necessitated these safety alerts. While a small south swell is currently fading, a new southwest swell is forecast to overlap and build throughout the coming days.
Timeline
September 25, 2026: Forecast date for current surf conditions.
Tonight into Friday: Strong trades result in advisory level surf.
Friday into the weekend: Southwest swell builds and advisory surf potentially expands.
Early next week: Northwest swell keeps surf slightly elevated.
Season Trajectory
The issuance of these advisories follows the National Weather Service's High Surf Advisory thresholds, which dictate public safety protocols during extreme wave events. These conditions mark a shift in the seasonal surf pattern as storm-driven swells begin to influence coastal stability.
Residents and visitors should expect hazardous wave heights on east and southeast facing shores through the weekend. The expected expansion of the swell into next week may require additional safety precautions for those near the coastline.
The takeaway
Ocean conditions remain volatile as Hurricane Nolo continues to impact the surrounding waters. Coastal users should prioritize safety by checking local updates before heading to the beach.
Further reading
For more information on current ocean conditions, visit our Surfing section.
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