National Weather ServiceHawaiiHigh Surf AdvisoryArchive to October 1, 2026
High Surf Advisories in Hawaii
The National Weather Service issued 42 high surf advisories for Hawaii in 2025 and 48 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 3rd most of any state. 2026 through September: 40, 23% above the average of 32 for those months in 2008-2025. Windward Haleakala was covered most often (741 times since 2008).
How many high surf advisories does Hawaii get?
Every high surf advisory that covered part of Hawaii. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 40 |
| 2025 | 42 |
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2023 | 40 |
| 2022 | 51 |
| 2021 | 33 |
| 2020 | 42 |
| 2019 | 59 |
| 2018 | 64 |
| 2017 | 57 |
| 2016 | 58 |
| 2015 | 70 |
| 2014 | 51 |
| 2013 | 41 |
| 2012 | 45 |
| 2011 | 48 |
| 2010 | 42 |
| 2009 | 49 |
| 2008 | 34 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Hawaii get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Hawaii?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windward Haleakala | 741 | 125 | September 25, 2026 |
| Molokai Windward | 737 | 125 | September 25, 2026 |
| Niihau | 712 | 131 | September 25, 2026 |
| Maui Windward West | 687 | 119 | September 25, 2026 |
| Kauai Windward | 639 | 0 | April 6, 2021 |
| Oahu North Shore | 559 | 106 | March 30, 2026 |
| Oahu Koolau | 549 | 0 | April 6, 2021 |
| Waianae Coast | 535 | 112 | September 25, 2026 |
| Kauai Leeward | 505 | 0 | May 1, 2021 |
| Molokai Leeward | 500 | 0 | March 13, 2021 |
| Maui Central Valley | 424 | 0 | March 13, 2021 |
| Big Island North and East | 377 | 0 | April 6, 2021 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a high surf advisory?
A high surf advisory means large, dangerous breaking waves and strong currents along the shore. An advisory is issued for a hazard less serious than a warning that can still cause inconvenience or danger if people are not careful. The national record · Every warning type in Hawaii.