Hawaii County police closed Hilo Bayfront Highway overnight because of high surf and debris on the roadway.

Police announced the closure just after 10 p.m. Sunday.

The National Weather Service issued a high surf advisory for north- and east-facing shores of Hawaii island, Oahu, Kauai, Niihau, Maui and Molokai because of  waves with faces of 12- to 18-feet along north shores and 8- to 12-feet along east shores.

The surf is expected to decline below advisory levels by about 6 p.m. today.

Ocean-goers should expect strong breaking waves, shore breaks, and rip currents that will make swimming difficult and dangerous, they said.

Forecasters also issued a special marine statement because of possible harbor surges at Hilo and Lahului harbors because of the northeast swell.

The weather service said large, breaking waves are possible at the harbor entrances.