A high surf warning has been issued for the north and west shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, and the north shores of Maui, from 6 a.m. on Friday until noon on Saturday. A high surf advisory is also in effect for the west shores of Hawaii Island, lasting from noon on Friday until noon on Saturday.
Surf conditions are expected to be intense, with waves as high as 25 to 35 feet on the north and west shores of Niihau and Kauai, and the north shores of Oahu, Molokai, and Maui. The west shores of Oahu and Molokai may experience waves ranging from 15 to 20 feet. On Hawaii Island’s west shores, the surf will reach heights of 6 to 8 feet.
Beachgoers are urged to stay away from the shore due to the dangers of large waves and powerful shorebreaks, which can sweep people off their feet, particularly in wet areas of rocky shorelines or beaches. The waves are also expected to bring strong currents and potentially sweep across coastal roadways, causing closures.
The swell is expected to gradually diminish over the weekend, with waves dropping below advisory levels by Sunday. However, a First Alert has been issued for a longer-term forecast, predicting more high surf with overlapping northwest swells, which may range from large to extra-large in size.