High Surf — Kauai Mountains, Hawaii

1996-02-17 · Kauai Mountains, Hawaii

Wider weather episode

A stationary storm over the northeast Pacific centered 1,200 miles north-northeast of Hawaii, generated large north swells that caused high surf and surges for Hilo Harbor. The U.S.C.G. Cutter Kiska sustained $100,000 in damage while moored in the Radio Bay area of Hilo Harbor. According to the commanding officer, extreme surging action developed as large waves filled the mooring area. Wave heights of 15 to 20 feet occurred outside Hilo Harbor and 6 to 10 feet inside the harbor. Ocean front streets were closed in Hilo and several lower units of a condominium were flooded in Keaukaha, 3 miles southeast of Hilo. Cars were damaged in the flooded parking lots of two condominium buildings.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5566029. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.