South Shore Swell Arrives from New Zealand

By Wendy Osher

(Updated: 6:00 a.m. 6/24/11)

The National Weather Service has cancelled the High Surf Advisory for the South Facing Shores of Maui County.  Surf has fallen below the eight foot advisory threshold.

(Posted: 8:32 a.m. 6/21/11)

South shore surf on Maui will rise over the next couple of days as a long period swell arrives in the islands.  The swell was generated by an intense low last week southeast of New Zealand.

The National Weather Service issued a high surf advisory for the South facing shores of Maui County through 6 p.m. Thursday.  Surf is expected to rise to 5 to 8 feet today, and increase to 8 to 10 feet on Wednesday.

Forecasters say the high surf will bring large breaking waves to exposed shorelines, reefs and channel entrances.  High surf can also lead to rip currents and localized beach erosion.

A high tide of approximately 2.1 feet is expected between 6:28 and 7:46 p.m.

As a precaution, beach goers are urged to stay out of the water and well away from the shore break due to hazardous wave action and strong rip currents.

*** Supporting information courtesy National Weather Service.