The National Weather Service has issued a high surf warning as "hazardous" waves of up to 25 feet hit north shores of Oahu, Kauai County, Maui and Molokai.

The warning also covers the west shores of Kauai and Niihau.

Waves were expected to build Friday afternoon and peak at 20- to 25-feet Friday night.

The warning is upgraded from an advisory issued at 10 a.m. for Kauai County.

The National Weather Service said the swell arrived Friday morning at Kauai and will spread to north- and west-facing shores of Oahu and Maui County through Friday night.

A high surf advisory is in effect for west shores of Oahu, where surf is expected to rise to 12- to 18-feet tonight.

Forecasters say the surf will create strong breaking waves and shore break and strong rip currents, making swimming difficult and dangerous.

"Anyone entering the water could face significant injury or death," forecasters said.

Beachgoers should heed advice from lifeguards and exercise caution.

Surf on north shores will occasionally sweep across portions of the beach.