A powerful new northwest swell is expected to bring large, dangerous surf to the north- and west-facing shores of most islands through Tuesday.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service today issued a high surf warning for the north- and west-facing shores of Oahu, Kauai, Molokai and Niihau; the north-facing shores of Maui and the west-facing shores of Hawaii island. The warning is in effect through 6 p.m. Tuesday.

As the swell builds this afternoon and peaks tonight, waves along north-facing shores are expected to reach 20 to 30 feet while west-facing shores could see waves from 15 to 20 feet, forecasters say.

Officials from Department of Emergency Management warn that only highly experienced individuals should enter the water in affected areas due to large shorebreaks and dangerous currents.