A high-surf warning continues for the north- and west-facing shores of most smaller isles in Hawaii due to a large, north-northwest swell, effective through 6 p.m. today.

Weather officials said surf is expected to reach 20 to 30 feet today, then lower to 15 to 20 feet tonight along the north- and west-facing shores of Niihau and Kauai, and north-facing shores of Oahu, Molokai and Maui.

Surf on the west-facing shores of Oahu and Molokai is expected to reach 15 to 23 feet today, lowering to 10 to 15 feet tonight.

Although surf is expected to drop below warning levels this evening, advisory-level surf for those smaller isles will likely continue through Thursday in most areas.

A high-surf advisory, meanwhile, remains in effect for the north-facing shores of the Big Island through 6 a.m. Thursday.

Additionally, a high-wind advisory is in effect for parts of Maui County isles and the Big Island through 6 a.m. Thursday. Northeast winds of 20 to 35 miles per hour, with localized gusts near 50 miles per hour will affect Lanai, Kahoolawe, portions of central Maui, and the leeward Kohala and Volcano regions of the Big Island.

Due to the high-surf warning, ocean water is expected to surge and sweep across beaches, potentially impacting coastal properties and roadways.

Expect large, breaking waves, significant shorebreak, and powerful longshore and rip currents at most beaches. Anyone entering the water could face significant injury or death, weather officials warned. Boaters should also be aware of an increased number of surfers and body boarders utilizing the harbor channel to access surfing areas.