While the East Coast gears up for a messy Nor’easter this weekend, the West Coast—specifically Hawaii—is bracing for a different kind of fury. The National Weather Service has issued a stern warning for the Aloha State: dangerously large waves, some reaching up to 16 feet, are expected to slam into shorelines on Sunday, September 27.
The warning, in effect for southeast-facing shores of the Big Island, describes conditions as both “dangerous” and “damaging.” Forecasters predict breaking waves between 12 and 16 feet, with powerful currents that could make navigating channel entrances treacherous. “Expect very strong breaking waves and powerful currents,” the advisory reads. “Waves breaking in channel entrances may make navigating the channels dangerous.”
Residents and visitors are urged to stay away from the coast entirely. “Stay away from the shoreline along the affected coasts. Be prepared for road closures. Postpone entering or leaving channels affected by the high surf until the surf subsides,” the warning continues. It’s a serious reminder that the ocean, even in paradise, commands respect.
The culprit behind this surge? Hurricane Nolo, a tropical system churning in the Pacific. According to forecasters, Nolo is generating a powerful swell that’s producing warning-level surf along the Big Island’s southeast shores. Combined with strengthening trade winds, this is also creating advisory-level conditions along east-facing coasts of Maui, Molokai, Oahu, and Kauai. The rough seas are expected to persist through tonight and begin to diminish on Sunday as Nolo drifts westward, away from the islands.
This isn’t the first time Hawaii has faced such a threat. The islands are no strangers to high surf from distant storms, but each event brings its own risks. In recent years, similar swells have caused coastal erosion, road closures, and even injuries to the unprepared.
What to Do When Waves Turn Wild
If you’re in Hawaii—or anywhere near the ocean during rough conditions—safety should be your top priority. Here’s a quick refresher:
- Stay off the shoreline: Even if the waves look tempting for photos, the risk of being swept away is real.
- Heed local warnings: If officials say stay away, they mean it. Road closures are possible, so plan accordingly.
- Avoid channel navigation: Strong currents can make even experienced boaters lose control.
- Keep an eye on the forecast: Conditions can change rapidly, so check updates regularly.
This advisory comes as the East Coast deals with its own weather drama, but the Pacific’s fury is a stark reminder that nature doesn’t discriminate. For those in Hawaii, the message is clear: don’t test the ocean this weekend.
As the surf subsides, officials will continue to monitor the situation. But for now, the hurricane warning for Hawaii should be taken seriously. And while the NFL world gears up for its own Sunday showdowns—like the Eagles-Titans clash—Hawaii’s residents will be watching the waves, not the game.
Stay safe, everyone. The ocean will still be there next week.
