North Shore Surf on Maui, 12-16 Feet

File photo by Madeline Ziecker.

By Wendy Osher

A High Surf Advisory has been issued for the north and west facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu and Molokai; and the north facing shores of Maui until 6 a.m. on Thursday, March 14.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service say surf is larger than expected, and will remain elevated through tonight.

Surf is expected to be 12 to 16 feet along the north and west facing shore of Kauai and Niihau, and the north facing shores of Maui and Oahu.  West shore surf on Molokai and Oahu is expected to be in the 8 to 12 foot range.

The high surf conditions are expected to result in strong breaking waves and rip currents that will make swimming along affected shores difficult and dangerous.

As a precaution, beach goers, swimmers and surfers are asked to heed the advice of ocean safety officials, and exercise caution.

When in doubt, the NWS advises that swimmers and surfers should not go out.