The National Weather Service has issued a high surf warning for the north and west facing shores of all isles from Niihau to Molokai, and for the north facing shores of Maui, effective from noon Tuesday to 6 p.m. Thursday.

The first large, northwest swell of the year will arrive Tuesday, forecasters said, boosting the surf to warning levels by late Tuesday afternoon. Warning level surf is expected to continue into Thursday.

Additionally, early Wednesday morning high tide will bring an increased risk of wave runup and overwash along low-lying coastlines exposed to the swell.

Surf is expected to reach heights of 35 to 45 feet along north and west facing shores of Niihau and Kauai, and 30 to 40 feet along north facing shores of Oahu, Molokai and Maui.

Surf heights of 20 to 30 feet are expected along west facing shores of Oahu and Molokai.

Forecasters warn of breaking waves that may occasionally sweep across portions of beaches, along with very strong, breaking waves and rip currents. Also, that the breaking waves may make navigating the harbor channel dangerous.

“Large, breaking surf, significant shore break, and dangerous currents make entering the water very hazardous,” officials warned. :Anyone entering the water could face significant injury or death.”