HONOLULU (KHON2) — With Hurricane Kiko pushing powerful surf toward Oʻahu, officials are urging residents and visitors to take no chances near the shoreline.
Chris Latronic, public information officer for Honolulu Ocean Safety, said crews are preparing for dangerous conditions along the east side.
“Ahead of the incoming high surf, generated from Hurricane Kiko, the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department is preparing Oahu by ramping up staffing for the eastside (District 2) areas and working with DNLR to close the Makapuʻu lighthouse trail & tide pools starting this afternoon through Wednesday,” Latronic explained.
Forecasters are expecting the surf to rise to high surf advisory levels by Monday evening, Sept. 7.
Latronic warned the public should think carefully before heading anywhere near exposed coastlines.
“With the surf expected to rise by this evening to high surf advisory levels, the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department is advising the public to use caution in these exposed areas, avoid going near shore and checking in with lifeguards,” he said.
He also said that beach closures are not yet in place.
“No beaches are closed yet. We’ll assess the conditions as the waves come in and make the necessary adjustments to keep the public safe,” Latronic said.
Officials warn that storm surge and rip currents can arrive before the storm itself. A surge may reach more than 20 feet, while strong currents and sudden waves remain unpredictable.
Lifeguards may also be pulled from towers if weather conditions worsen.
These beaches are expected to experience very dangerous surf, and the public is advised to avoid them during the storm.
- Makapuʻu beach and tidepools.
- Sandy’s Beach.
- China Walls.
- Blowhole.
- Spitting Cave.
Click here to stay up to date with Ocean Safety guidance.
For now, Ocean Safety urges the public to obey warning signs, avoid risky areas like Sandy Beach and Makapuʻu, and wait for official updates before returning to the water.