Wave faces building to  20 to 25 feet have prompted a high surf warning for north shores of Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Molokai and Niihau and the west shores of Kauai and Niihau today.

The National Weather Service says the strong northwest swell will gradually build and peak tonight before subsiding Tuesday. West shores of Oahu are under a high surf  advisory because of waves predicted to reach 10 to 15 feet today.

Forecasters say the swell is "dangerous" and warn beachgoers to stay away from the shore break. The high surf will also create rip currents.

The warning and advisory are in effect through 6 p.m. Tuesday.