A monthly jellyfish phenomenon occurs within the Hawaiian Islands, in which box jellyfish arrive nine to ten days after the full moon. For more info visit http://www.808jellyfish.com to view and plan for this monthly arrival. Winds blowing onshore combine with ocean currents and also push "man-o-war" to the shore along the eastern and northern ends of the state. Jellyfish stings can be quite painful and even life threatening for some. Should you be stung see a lifeguard for assistance or seek medical attention at the nearest hospital facility.
The high surf sign warns of hazardous surf conditions that could result in serious bodily injury or loss of life. Seasonal high surf occurs on all shores of O`ahu. Shorelines facing North, East and West receive high surf during Winter months. Shores facing Southeast and Southwest receive high surf during Summer months. If you are uncertain of your abilities, don't go into the ocean during high surf, heed all posted high surf warnings! Your life could depend on it!
A shorebreak is a condition when waves break directly on the shoreline. Shorebreaks are unpredictable and dangerous. They have caused many serious neck and spinal injuries to both experienced and inexperienced bodysurfers and swimmers. Even very small waves breaking directly on shore can be very dangerous! Be sure to ask a lifeguard about the wave conditions that day.
These are swift moving channels of water against which it is difficult to swim. Strong currents frequently accompany high surf and rapid tide changes and can be recognized as a turbulent channel of water between areas where waves are breaking. However, srtong currents may exist in seemingly calm and non-turbulent waters - so be aware of any and all moving water. When caught in a strong current -- Try to keep a level head, i.e., don't panic! Wave one or both hands in the air, and scream or call for help. Swim diagonally to the current, not against it. Please heed all posted warnings! Your life could depend on it!
These signs are posted due to waves breaking on rocky ledges. This condition can occur suddenly and unexpectedly even when the water appears to be calm. Be very cautious when walking along rocky coastlines where waves are breaking. Rocks become slippery and waves may come over the top unexpectedly. Never go into the wet rocky zone. The ocean is unpredictable and has been known to wash people away. Don't put yourself in a position where you could be swept away. Please heed all posted warnings! Your life could depend on it!
Throughout the island chain many beaches and reefs may not extend a long distance as some beach areas elsewhere. The "shelf" or "drop point" of the Island rapidly begins to decline and waters become very deep within short distances from the shore. There are also deep holes and caves in some places close to shoreline caused by naturally occurring conditions. Even experienced swimmers and divers have fell or been "sucked" into the holes or caves - especially during fast currents and high waves. Ask a lifeguard about any particular or unique conditions of the ocean nearby - drop points, location of deep holes or caves, etc. Remember to keep at arms reach and carefully watch children in and around these conditions. Heed all warnings.
Naturally occurring moss and algae may form along the shoreline and cause rocks to become very slippery. Waves hitting a person on slippery rocks equal a potential fall and resulting injury or other trauma. Heed all warnings and keep children away from these areas.
Many species of sharks live in Hawaiian waters. Occasionally, some do come close inshore, and when sighted, lifeguards and other coastal authorities will clear the ocean in the vicinity of the sighting. Please immediately obey all warnings and orders to clear out of the ocean when a shark is sighted. Shark attacks are rare in Hawai`i, but it does indeed happen. Remain out of the water when shark sighted signs are posted for your own safety!
