– The Latest at HIEMA –

Extra-Large (XL) Surf Warning

11/28/25

The National Weather Service is warning of an extra-large northwest swell arriving tomorrow afternoon, Saturday, Nov. 29, and continuing on Sunday and into Monday. Giant surf is expected on the north and west shores of Kauaʻi and Oʻahu, and on the north shores of Maui and Big Island.

Surf heights of 30 to 40 feet are expected and could lead to coastal and harbor impacts, especially during high tides, and could threaten coastal properties and infrastructure.

Beach goers should be extremely cautious. Be aware of water surging and sweeping on beaches, powerful rip currents and longshore currents, and large breaking waves.

There have been an average 79 ocean drownings each year across Hawaiʻi from 2019 to 2023, and ocean drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 15.

Remember:

When in doubt, don’t go out!

Obey safety signs and warning flags

Swim with a buddy, in the view of a lifeguard

Stay off coastal ledges and rocks

Stay out of the water when it’s dark out

If you see someone struggling in the water or calling for help, call 911 immediately and alert a nearby lifeguard.

Use these links for the latest surf forecast information and to connect with your local Ocean Safety Departments:

NWS Surf Forecast: https://www.weather.gov/hfo/SRF

Kauaʻi Ocean Safety: https://www.kauai.gov/Government/Departments-Agencies/Fire-Department/Ocean-Safety-Bureau

Honolulu Ocean Safety: https://www.honolulu.gov/hosd/

Maui Ocean Safety: https://www.mauicounty.gov/463/Ocean-Safety

Hawaiʻi County Ocean Safety: https://oceansafety.hawaii.gov/

Siren Test – Monday, Dec. 1, 2025

11/27/25

The monthly test of the all-hazard Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, at 11:45 a.m. The siren test will be coordinated with a test of the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System in cooperation with Hawai’i television broadcasters.

You can report siren issues by calling your county emergency management agency:

Hawai‘i County: 808-935-0031
Maui County: 808-270-7285
Honolulu County: 808-723-8960
Kauaʻi County: 808-241-1800

Click here for more information.

HIEMA Highlights: Nov. 21

11/21/25

Come along behind the scenes at HIEMA! Join us in this video:

HIEMA tour and discussion with State Representative Della Belatti.
HIEMA staff meeting with the International Tsunami Information Center.
HIEMA staff participating in Emergency Response Team training.
HIEMA invited to speak at State Representative Joe Gedeon’s “Let’s Talk Story” event.

And much more!

Siren Test – Monday, Nov. 3, 2025

10/30/25

The monthly test of the all-hazard Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, at 11:45 a.m. The siren test will be coordinated with a test of the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System in cooperation with Hawai’i television broadcasters.

You can report siren issues by calling your county emergency management agency:

Hawai‘i County: 808-935-0031
Maui County: 808-270-7285
Honolulu County: 808-723-8960
Kauaʻi County: 808-241-1800

Click here for more information.

NWS issues Red Flag Warning for fire weather

Update, 10/25/25: The National Weather Service has canceled the Red Flag Warning for all Hawaiian Islands.

10/23/25

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning effective from noon on Thursday, Oct. 23, through the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 25. A Red Flag Warning means that weather patterns are conducive to the ignition and spread of wildfires, including high winds, low humidity and high temperatures.

Residents should be extremely cautious with flames. Do not burn yard waste or have campfires. Don’t grill when it’s windy or when you’re around dry grasses and vegetation. Extinguish cigarettes in a cup of water — don’t flick them. Don’t park your car on dry grass; the hot car’s exhaust or undercarriage can ignite the grass beneath it. Finally, do not shoot off fireworks.

Call 911 to report a fire. Don’t delay: Your response can save lives.

Legal penalties are elevated during a Red Flag Warning. Fourth-degree arson, such as recklessly causing fire that affects people or property, is elevated to a felony during this time. Report any suspicious behavior you may see.

Visit our Wildfire webpage for more information.

Autumn edition of Laulima

10/1/25

HIEMA’s autumn newsletter is out today. We have a dynamic issue with stories from across the Hawaiian Islands, including:

– Maui’s major wildfire mitigation effort

– A push for food independence on Kauaʻi

– Big Island gets a big radio boost

– and ‘Amazing Aloha’ by tsunami evacuation motorists on Oʻahu

Plus, a brand new Islands Report column and a fresh recommendation in the Stormy Weather Book Club.

It’s all in this issue of Laulima – available at https://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/news/laulima-newsletter/

Siren Test – Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025

9/29/25

The monthly test of the all-hazard Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System is scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 11:45 a.m. The siren test will be coordinated with a test of the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System in cooperation with Hawai’i television broadcasters.

You can report siren issues by calling your county emergency management agency: