This is a high surf and high wind warning information update for Saturday, January 19th, at 8 a.m.

The National Weather Service High Surf Warning for the west-facing shores of Hawaii Island remains in effect. The high surf warning remains in effect until 6 a.m. Sunday (Jan 20).

Due to the direction of the surf, special cautions are issued for the shores of Leeward Kohala, Kona and Kau. This is for the coastal areas from Upolu Point to South Point. The National Weather Service expects high and dangerous surf to continue impacting these coastal areas through Sunday morning.

The Hawaii Fire Department Ocean Safety Division has reported increasing surf heights and run up at beaches in the West Hawaii areas of Kona and South Kohala. Due to the high surf, Laaloa, Kahaluu and Hapuna Beach Parks will be closed.

Surf is forecast to be in the 10-15 foot range.

Coastal areas can expect very strong breaking waves, shore breaks and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult and dangerous. Breaking waves may occasionally impact harbors making navigating the harbor channel dangerous.

Beachgoers, swimmers and surfers should heed the advice given by ocean safety officials and be careful. Know your limits and when in doubt, don’t go out.

In addition, the National Weather Service has a wind advisory for the summits and upper elevations of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa over 8,000 feet. The high wind warning was cancelled.

Winds on the summits are coming from the North at 25-35 mph with localized gusts up to 45 mph. Motorists should use caution while driving on summit roadways especially those driving high profile vehicles.

Mauna Kea Access Road was closed to the public earlier this morning due to high winds. The roadway has re-opened. For current summit and access road conditions visit: http://mkwc.ifa.hawaii.edu/current/road-conditions/

A small craft advisory is in effect until 6 a.m. Monday (Jan 21) for all Hawaiian waters.

MEDIA RELEASE FROM DLNR

Hapuna Beach at Hapuna Beach State Park is closed this morning for public safety, due to surf and water conditions. The surges from the ocean are going too far up on shore and may cause problems for people. Ocean waves are 10-12 feet, but the water is going as high as the vegetation on the Northern end of the beach and reaching some of the lifeguard towers. Lifeguards from Hawaii County Ocean Safety will inform the DLNR Division of State Parks it is safe to reopen the beach later today. The public’s understanding and cooperation are appreciated.