High Surf — Molokai, Hawaii

2003-06-17 to 2003-06-19 · Molokai, Hawaii

Wider weather episode

A deep storm low east of New Zealand generated surf of 6 to 16 feet along the south-facing shores of all the islands. The unusually high surf for the south shores of the isles kept lifeguards busy, especially on the 18th of June and mainly on Oahu at Ala Moana Beach Park and Waikiki. The lifeguards rescued around 400 swimmers and surfers, and assisted nearly 800 more. More than 100 surfers had their boards broken by the pounding waves. A small boat was overturned by the high waves as it left the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor, and four people were thrown overboard. All were rescued by the Coast Guard, with one man sustaining minor injuries. The boat harbor was later closed for the rest of the afternoon. Two other individuals were hurt, one on Oahu and the other on Maui. The person on Maui sustained a spinal injury, though its seriousness was not known. No serious property damage was reported.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5327611. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.