Hawaiʻi County will be closing beach parks along the South-facing shores of Hawaiʻi Island this weekend ahead of high surf and rough ocean conditions. The closures are prompted by reports of a large swell from the South Pacific that is expected to hit shores this evening and strengthen through tomorrow, Saturday, July 16. Waves are expected to be between 15-20’ at their peak and hold through Sunday, July 17.

The Beach Parks will be reassessed on Sunday, but with the swell continuing through Sunday and the possibility of debris in the parks, there is a chance they will remain closed until Monday.
Below is a list of the parks that will be affected by the closure:

Puna:
*Isaac Hale

Kaʻū:
* Punaluʻu (camping canceled for the weekend)
* Whittington/Honu’apo (camping canceled for the weekend)

Kona:
* Miloli’i
* Hoʻokena (camping canceled for the weekend)
* Manini Point/Nāpoʻopoʻo
* Honaunau Boat Ramp
* Kahaluʻu
* Magic Sands/Laʻaloa
* Pāhoehoe
* Honls
* Hale Hālāwai
* Old Airport

“We’re asking residents, particularly our surfers, boaters, and ocean gatherers, to exercise extreme caution along Southern shores this weekend,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “The swells accompanied by the remnants of Hurricane Darby may cause unpredictable ocean conditions that could lead to serious harm. We don’t want to lose any of our loved ones and ask that folks don’t go out when in doubt.”

Visit the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Hazard Map live updated information through the weekend: https://hawaii-county-civil-defense-agency-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com/