Photo Gallery: Big Waves Friday – http://hsalinks.com/1cDGJHw

An approaching large northwest swell that promises to generate surf of up to 30 to 40 feet on the north-facing shores of some islands late Saturday night has prompted the officials at the National Weather Service to issue a high surf warning through Sunday evening.

The north- and west-facing shores of Oahu, Kauai, Molokai and Niihau and the north shore of Maui are covered under the warning through 6 p.m. Sunday. A high surf advisory remains in effect for the west-facing shores of the Big Island.

Weather officials expect to see waves of 15 to 20 feet along north-facing shores Saturday evening and 10 to 15 feet along west-facing shores. Surf up to 30 to 40 feet along north-facing shores is expected to arrive late Saturday night and Sunday. West-facing shores could see surf up to 20 to 25 feet late Saturday night and Sunday, forecasters said.

Officials advised beachgoers to heed advice given by lifeguards and exercise caution.