Ocean Safety urges public to avoid Makapuu Tide Pools as Hurricane Fausto approaches
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Honolulu’s Ocean Safety Department is asking the public to avoid the Makapuu Tide Pools as surf swells increase from the approaching Hurricane Fausto.
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On Friday, Ocean Safety urged residents and visitors to use “extreme caution” along Oahu’s southern and eastern shores as swells from the hurricane are expected to arrive on Sunday and Monday.
The National Hurricane Center said in data valid at 5 p.m. Friday, Fausto was 1,385 miles east of Hilo and was moving west at 14 miles per hour.
Learn more here: Hurricane Fausto moving westward on track toward Hawaii
Ocean Safety said a high surf advisory remains in effect for Oahu’s south-facing shores until Saturday at 6 p.m. Another south-southwest swell is expected to maintain elevated surf through Sunday. Advisory-level surf may develop by Sunday or Monday, and large surf is expected Tuesday or Wednesday.
Ocean Safety officials said they are particularly concerned about the shoreline and tide pools below the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail.
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Although the pools appear calm, OSD said it’s dangerous during normal conditions. The area is exposed to waves that can unexpectedly wash across rocks and sweep people into the ocean, making it hard for first responders to respond to incidents within the pools.
About a decade ago, a California father and daughter died at Makapuu Tide Pools after a rogue wave swept them away.
“We do not want another family to experience that kind of tragedy. With surf already elevated and additional swell expected from Hurricane Fausto, we are strongly asking the public not to visit the tide pools,” said Ocean Safety Chief Kurt Lager.
The department recommends that beachgoers:
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