PHOTO GALLERY: WAIMEA BAY SURF http://hsalinks.com/1fb0Fqh

Experienced surfers returned to the water at Waimea Bay after the winds from Wednesday died down and wave heights remained at warning levels of 30 to 40 feet.

Alii Beach Park in Haleiwa and Yokohama Bay in Kaena State Park remained closed Thursday but Waimea Beach Park reopened Thursday morning, until the city closed it again at 5:30 p.m.

Windy conditions made the large waves unsurfable on Wednesday.

About 20 to 40 experienced surfers, including professionals, surfed Thursday, said Shayne Enright, spokeswoman for the Department of Emergency Services.

Lifeguards rescued two people from Oahu beaches today and issued about 3,000 warnings to beachgoers, Enright said.

The National Weather Service and lifeguards said Thursday’s surf is for experts only.

“Large breaking surf, significant shorebreak and dangerous currents make entering the water very hazardous,” forecasters said. “Anyone entering the water could face significant injury or death.”

A high surf warning is in effect for the northern beaches of Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Molokai and Niihau and the west shores of Oahu, Kauai, Molokai and Niihau.

High surf is expected to diminish this morning.

The west-facing shores of Oahu and Molokai are expected to see waves of up to 15 to 25 feet. And waves up to 10 to 15 feet are forecast for the west shore of island of Hawaii.

John Cummings, spokesman for the City Emergency Management Department, said there were no requests for emergency assistance or road clearance from residents of the North Shore on Wednesday night.

“Six volunteers canvassed the area and reported there were no problems,” Cummings added.