High Surf — West Hawaii, Hawaii

2004-02-19 to 2004-02-23 · West Hawaii, Hawaii

Wider weather episode

A deep storm low off the east coast of Japan produced surf of 15 to 20 feet along the north-facing shores, and 10 to 15 feet along the west-facing shores, of Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Molokai. The feature also caused surf of 10 to 15 feet along the west-facing shores of the Big Island of Hawaii. One surfer sustained severe head injuries near Mokuleia on the North Shore of Oahu on the morning of the 19th. The high surf also forced the closure of dozens of beaches on Kauai, Oahu, and the Big Island over the four-day event. Alii Drive near Kailua Kona on the Big Island was closed for a time, as well, as the higher surf kept inundating the roadway. However, there were no reports of serious property damage.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5431057. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.