The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory for north and west-facing shores of Oahu, Kauai and Molokai; the north shore of Maui and the west-facing shore of Hawaii island.

Waves of 12 to 18 feet along north-facing shores and 8 to 12 feet along west-facing shores are expected, forecasters said. Hawaii island is expected to see surf up to 9 feet.

The advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. tonight.

Beachgoers are urged to stay out of the water and away from the shore break because of dangerous wave action and strong rip currents.

A small craft advisory also remains in effect until 6 p.m. for Kauai northwest waters, with northeast winds expected to reach up to 23 mph. The channels will see a northwest swell of 7 feet with isolated showers.

The wind speed is expected to increase to 29 mph Thursday.