A large northwest swell making its way to the islands and promising surf up to 35 feet on some shores has prompted weather officials to issue a high surf warning effective Friday morning.

Officials at the National Weather Service expect the swell to posted the warning effective from 10 a.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Sunday. Areas covered include the north- and west-facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu and Molokai, and the north shore of Maui.

Surf along north-facing shores is expected to hit 12 to 18 feet Saturday morning, growing to a peak of 25 to 35 feet through the afternoon. West-facing shores can look forward to surf of 8 to 12 feet Saturday morning and afternoon, peaking at 15 to 25 feet later in the day, according to forecasters.

Weather officials warn beachgoers that only experienced persons should enter the water at affected beaches.