High surf reaching about 14 feet continued to affect businesses and tourism Thursday in West Hawaii, prompting temporary closures and causing damage to Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.
“There was seawall damage in the royal grounds, rock and debris scattered throughout the grounds and flooding. We had to remove the picnic area, including tables and trash cans from the high surf,” Supervisory Park Ranger Keola Awong told West Hawaii Today. “The trail from Pu‘uhonua was totally washed out from the ocean. We have to renew the trail, which is underwater.
“First thing (Friday) morning, we are making assessments and starting repairs,” Awong added.
Officials advised the public to stay away from the shoreline along affected areas, prepare for possible road closures and postpone from entering or leaving channels affected by high surf.
Employees of water sport businesses in Kailua-Kona, which include paddle boarding, kayaking, boating, snorkeling and scuba diving, have also raised some concerns about losing potential customers due to high surf and rip currents at most beaches.
A small craft advisory will remain in effect until at least 6 a.m. today from the Alenuihaha Channel to Big Island windward waters, according to the National Weather Service.
Large swells were reported to be in decline, but a high surf warning was in effect until at least 6 p.m. Thursday for west-facing shores.
Also Thursday, the following beach parks were temporarily closed, according to the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency: Kahalu‘u, Kohanaiki, Mahukona, Magic Sands-La‘aola, Honaunau and Kaloko.
Forecasters said no critical fire weather conditions are expected through next week. Some drier conditions will be possible early next week, but trade winds should remain below strong speeds.
Park officials said Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau will not be opening to the public until further notice due to impacts caused by high surf.
Email Erik Gabaldon at ebabaldon@westhawaiitoday.com.
