Flood Advisory, High Surf Warning Issued for Big Island

Excessive rainfall and dangerous surf conditions prompt alerts across Hawaii's largest island

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for North Kohala and Hamakua districts on the Big Island until 6 p.m. Sunday, with heavy rain causing flooding on roads, poor drainage areas, and in streams. A high surf warning is also in effect for east-facing shores from Upolu Point to South Point through Tuesday, with dangerous and life-threatening surf conditions expected.

Why it matters

Flooding and high surf can pose serious risks to public safety, damage property, and disrupt transportation and other critical infrastructure on the Big Island. Residents and visitors need to heed these weather alerts and take appropriate precautions.

The details

The flood advisory was issued due to radar indicating heavy rain falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour, mainly between Hawi and Laupahoehoe, which could result in flooding in stream channels and along portions of Highway 19. The high surf warning predicts surf of 6 to 8 feet that could cause strong breaking waves and dangerous currents, making swimming hazardous.

  • The flood advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. on Sunday, February 9, 2026.
  • The high surf warning is in effect from Saturday, February 8 through Tuesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for issuing weather alerts and forecasts for the United States.

Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency

The local emergency management agency for Hawaii's Big Island that provides guidance to residents during hazardous weather events.

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What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the flood advisory and high surf warning as conditions evolve.

The takeaway

With heavy rain and dangerous surf conditions expected, Big Island residents and visitors should heed all weather alerts, avoid flood-prone areas, and exercise extreme caution near the coastline to stay safe during this hazardous weather event.