High-surf warning covers north and west shores of most islands
DENNIS ODA / Dec. 6
A high-surf warning covers Niihau to Maui through early Wednesday, the National Weather Service says. Here, waves were pumping off Mailiili Beach at the surf spot “Green Lanterns” off Maili last month.
The National Weather Service has issued a high-surf warning from Niihau to Maui with waves up to 30 feet expected on some shores.
The warning is in effect until 6 a.m. Wednesday, and forecasters expect waves of:
>> 25 to 30 feet on north- and west-facing shores of Niihau and Kauai.
>> 20 to 25 feet along northern shores of Oahu, Molokai and Maui.
>> 15 to 20 feet along western shores of Oahu and Molokai.
“Expect ocean water occasionally sweeping across portions of beaches, very strong breaking waves, and strong longshore and rip currents,” the warning says. “Breaking waves may occasionally impact harbors making navigating the harbor channel dangerous.”
The weather service added that “anyone entering the water could face significant injury or death” and warned boaters to be “aware of an increased number of surfers and body boarders utilizing the harbor channel to access surfing areas.”
In addition to the warning, a high-surf advisory is in effect until 6 a.m. Wednesday for west-facing shores of the Big Island with waves from 6 to 10 feet expected, forecasters said.
