Epic 50' Waves Pound Hawaii

Hurricane-force winds north of the Hawaiian Islands have caused massive 50′ waves this past weekend in an epic surf and wind event.

A High Surf Warning remains in effect for the north and west facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu and Molokai and north shores of Maui.

A series of large to very large northwest swells will maintain advisory to warning level surf through Tuesday before dropping below advisory levels. 

The National Weather Service said north shores surfs would rise to 30 feet, while west shores saw a rapid rise to upt to 22 feet.

Forecasters warned beachgoers that ocean water might occasionally sweep across beaches, and that the waves would cause strong breaking waves with strong longshore and rip currents, making swimming very hazardous. 

Breaking waves might impact harbor channels, making navigation dangerous in those areas.

Neighborhoods on Oahu’s North Shore experienced unprecedented erosion this winter, with whole backyards, decks, and swimming pools pulled into the ocean. 

Homeowners prepped for today’s with sandbags and reinforcements, and Red Cross volunteers and supplies were available for those in need.

Hawaii News Now described ”the largest swell in decades” and published a slide show showing massive waves breaking on Oahu’s North Shore, near Waimea Bay.

A bold headline atop a Honolulu Star Advertiser story last Wednesday read, “Surf up to 40 feet expected to roll in today.” 

Stormy weather led to monster waves in California, causing treacherous conditions as it also  forced cancelling one surf competition in the Aloha State.

Nevertheless, 40-year-old wave rider from South Africa claimed his second Mavericks International surfing championship Friday, leading two dozen competitors carving crests up to five stories tall in the northern California’s famed surf contest.

Grant “Twiggy” Baker, from Durban, who won his first Mavericks victory in 2006, was awarded a $12,000 grand prize at the competition that draws tens of thousands of fans each year to sleepy coastal town Half Moon Bay, 30 miles south of San Francisco.

Sources: Hawaii News Now, Honolulu Star Advertiser, Reuters

Photo Credits: Hawaii News Now,  Eric Esterle