High Surf — Kauai Windward, Hawaii

1996-05-26 to 1996-05-27 · Kauai Windward, Hawaii

Wider weather episode

A fall storm in the southern hemisphere, to the south of Tahiti, generated large ocean swell around May 19th. Surf with sets to 6 feet built along the south shores of the Hawaiian Islands during the late morning hours of the 26th. Lifeguards conducted 100 water rescues by waverunner, including 33 at Waikiki. Three surfers were injured. A rouge wave estimated at 15 to 20 feet capsized a boat with a failed engine in Keehi Lagoon. The boat broke up on a nearby reef. One man drowned and three others were rescued.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5573364. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.