Department of Land and Natural Resources

DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR

SUZANNE D. CASE CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release: July 15, 2022

MULTIPLE STATE BEACH PARKS TO CLOSE THIS WEEKEND DUE TO IMPENDING STORM

(HONOLULU) – Ahead of reports of a historic South Pacific swell bringing high surf and rough ocean conditions over the weekend, several State beach parks along south-facing shores will be closed.

This large south swell is expected to be the largest seen in Hawaii over the last decade. Waves are forecast to peak in the 15-20-foot range on the south shores of each island, building all day Saturday to high surf warning levels Saturday night through Sunday night. Large wave run up and coastal impacts are expected, especially during the late afternoon high tides.

In light of anticipated swells, the DLNR Division of State Parks (DSP) will be closing the following beach parks on Saturday and possibly Sunday based on impact and assessment.

Hawai’i Island: Hāpuna State Recreation Area, Kua Bay, and Kekaha Kai.

(DSP is in alignment with Hawaii County Beach closures)

Maui: Mākena State Park will be open on Saturday and based on monitoring and discussion with Maui County Ocean Safety Officers, may close on Sunday.

O’ahu: The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse trail, within the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, is an area of concern. The tide pools remain closed indefinitely. Ignoring this closure may be extremely hazardous due to the anticipated high surf. The Keawa’ula section of Ka’ena Point State Park may also be subject to closure.

 

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Media Contact:

Ryan Aguilar

Communications Specialist

Hawai’i Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

[email protected]