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High surf advisory extended for Christmas Eve swell

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VINCE CAVATAIO / SPECIAL TO THE STAR-ADVERTISER
A bodyboarder catches a large wave at Pipeline on Oahu's North Shore today.
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VINCE CAVATAIO / SPECIAL TO THE STAR-ADVERTISER
A surfer is covered by a tube at Pipeline today.
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VINCE CAVATAIO / SPECIAL TO THE STAR-ADVERTISER
A surfer catches a tube ride at Pipeline today.
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VINCE CAVATAIO / SPECIAL TO THE STAR-ADVERTISER
Surf of 18- to 24-feet prompted a high surf advisory on Oahu's north shore today.
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VINCE CAVATAIO / SPECIAL TO THE STAR-ADVERTISER
A high surf advisory was posted for Oahu's north shore today as the second of three swells peaked.
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VINCE CAVATAIO / SPECIAL TO THE STAR-ADVERTISER
A surfer catches a large wave at Pipeline on Oahu's North Shore, where a high surf advisory was in effect today.
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VINCE CAVATAIO / SPECIAL TO THE STAR-ADVERTISER
A large set arrives at Pipeline on Oahu's North Shore today.

A high surf advisory for north and west shores of Oahu, Niihau, Kauai, and Molokai, north shores of Maui and west shores of Hawaii island has been extended until 6 p.m. Friday as the second of three swells that began arriving on Christmas Eve brought waves of up to 24-feet to Hawaii today.

The National Weather Service said surf of 18- to 24-feet today should gradually lower to 10- to 14-feet Friday, but will remain large and hazardous through the afternoon.

Surf along west facing shores will be 10- to 15-feet this afternoon, lowering to 6 to 10 feet Friday.

Lifeguards were involved in at least nine rescues and took more than 2,500 preventative measures including issuing verbal warnings  along the north and west shore of Oahu today.

A third swell is expected to arrive Saturday and another advisory is lkely to be posted through Monday.

Forecasters warn beachgoers can expect strong breaking waves, shorebreak, and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult and dangerous.

People going to the beach should heed advice given by lifeguards and exercise caution, the National Weather Service said. Boaters should also expect recreational surfers utilizing harbor channels to reach surfing areas.

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