National Weather ServiceHawaiiHigh Surf WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
High Surf Warnings in Hawaii
The National Weather Service issued 10 high surf warnings for Hawaii in 2025 and 13 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 1st most of any state. 2026 through September: 12, 45% above the average of 8 for those months in 2008-2025. Windward Haleakala was covered most often (207 times since 2008).
How many high surf warnings does Hawaii get?
Every high surf warning that covered part of Hawaii. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 12 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2023 | 16 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2020 | 11 |
| 2019 | 19 |
| 2018 | 18 |
| 2017 | 18 |
| 2016 | 24 |
| 2015 | 14 |
| 2014 | 13 |
| 2013 | 13 |
| 2012 | 10 |
| 2011 | 8 |
| 2010 | 10 |
| 2009 | 9 |
| 2008 | 4 |
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 | 207 | 41 | August 15, 2026 |
| Molokai Windward | 203 | 43 | August 15, 2026 |
| Maui Windward West | 201 | 40 | August 15, 2026 |
| Niihau | 201 | 37 | September 7, 2026 |
| Oahu North Shore | 183 | 34 | February 23, 2026 |
| Kauai Windward | 167 | 0 | February 12, 2021 |
| Oahu Koolau | 158 | 0 | February 12, 2021 |
| Waianae Coast | 157 | 31 | September 7, 2026 |
| Kauai Leeward | 146 | 0 | February 12, 2021 |
| Molokai Leeward | 138 | 0 | February 12, 2021 |
| Maui Central Valley | 125 | 0 | February 12, 2021 |
| Olomana | 75 | 12 | August 15, 2026 |
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 warning?
A high surf warning means very large breaking waves that can wash people off beaches and damage coastal property. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. The national record · Every warning type in Hawaii.