High Surf Advisory Issued for Hawaii's Northern Shores
The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Advisory for north and west facing shores across several Hawaiian islands as a northwest swell builds.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Forecasts
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a High Surf Advisory for north and west facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, and Oahu, and north facing shores of Molokai and Maui. A moderate, long-period northwest swell peaks November 1, 2026, with surf building to 15 to 20 feet on north facing shores and 10 to 15 feet on west facing shores.
Why it matters
Strong breaking waves and strong currents are expected to make swimming dangerous across the advisory area. Residents and visitors planning beach or ocean activities face elevated risk during the peak of the swell.
The advisory is based on a forecast northwest swell from 330 degrees, with surf projected at 15 to 20 feet on north facing shores and 10 to 15 feet on west facing shores. The stub does not provide historical comparisons, and the swell's potential shift to a slightly more northerly direction on Monday is not quantified.
The players
National Weather Service Honolulu
The Honolulu office of the National Weather Service is the federal forecasting body responsible for issuing marine and surf advisories across Hawaii's islands.
The details
The advisory remains in effect until 6 PM HST Monday, with high surf expected to continue into that day before the swell declines Tuesday. Strong breaking waves and strong currents will make swimming dangerous.
Timeline
Sunday, November 1, 2026 (morning): Swell peaks and advisory-level surf begins.
Monday, November 2, 2026: High surf continues; advisory in effect until 6 PM HST.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Swell declines.
Seasonal Patterns
Northwest swells reaching Hawaii's north and west shores are a recurring winter-season pattern tracked by the National Weather Service, and this advisory places a moderate, long-period swell of 15 to 20 feet within that established seasonal cycle. The forecast is consistent with the wave-generating storms that typically produce advisory-level surf in these exposed areas.
Avoid swimming and ocean entries on north and west facing shores while the advisory is in effect, as strong breaking waves and strong currents create dangerous conditions. Check National Weather Service forecasts for updates before planning beach activities through Monday.
The takeaway
Peak surf from a long-period swell can create hazardous ocean conditions even on days that look calm from shore, so checking the advisory before entering the water is the simplest safeguard. The swell is forecast to subside by Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
What happens next
The High Surf Advisory expires at 6 PM HST Monday, November 2, 2026, and the swell is expected to decline Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For ongoing wave and surf conditions across the islands, see Forecasts in the Hawaii weather section.
