Ocean Safety Bureau Bans Swimming on Kauaʻi North Shores
Dangerous surf prompts no-swimming advisory on north- and west-facing Kauaʻi shores through Thursday, Nov. 12.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Surfing
The Ocean Safety Bureau advised against swimming and recreational ocean activities on north- and west-facing shores of Kauaʻi through Thursday, Nov. 12. The National Weather Service issued a high surf advisory for those shores and Niʻihau as a large north-northwest swell builds.
Why it matters
Surf heights of 15 to 20 feet on north-facing shores pose serious risks to swimmers and water users. Residents and visitors on Kauaʻi's north and west coasts should avoid the water until conditions subside.
Surf is forecast at 15 to 20 feet on north-facing shores and 10 to 15 feet on west-facing shores, peaking tonight at 18 to 24 feet and 14 to 18 feet. A small craft advisory covers Kauaʻi waters until 6 a.m. Thursday.
The players
Ocean Safety Bureau
The Ocean Safety Bureau is the Hawaii agency responsible for lifeguard operations and ocean safety on the state's beaches, and it issued the no-swimming advisory for Kauaʻi's north and west shores.
National Weather Service
The National Weather Service is the federal agency that forecasts weather and issues marine and surf advisories, including the high surf advisory covering Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.
The details
A large north-northwest swell is building through the day, and Ocean Safety Bureau officials have posted warning signs and are monitoring the area. Surf is expected to drop below advisory levels Thursday night, though another swell this weekend could bring it back.
Timeline
Nov. 11: No-swimming advisory takes effect.
Tonight: Surf expected to peak on north- and west-facing shores.
Thursday, Nov. 12, 6 a.m.: Small craft advisory for Kauaʻi waters expires.
Thursday, Nov. 12, 6 p.m.: High surf advisory expires.
Seasonal Patterns
Large north-northwest swells that trigger National Weather Service high surf advisories are a recurring feature of Hawaii's winter surf season on the north and west shores of Kauaʻi. This advisory fits that established seasonal pattern rather than marking a departure from it.
Stay out of the water on Kauaʻi's north- and west-facing shores through Thursday, Nov. 12, and heed posted warning signs. Check local Ocean Safety Bureau updates before planning any ocean activity this weekend, as another swell could return surf to advisory levels.
The takeaway
Dangerous surf can build quickly on exposed north and west shores, so checking advisories before entering the water is essential. Treat posted warning signs as firm guidance, not suggestions.
Further reading
For more on the conditions behind this warning, explore Surfing coverage.
