Large Short-Period Swell Brings 12-16 Foot Surf

Hoʻokipa Beach on the North Shore of Maui. File photo by Madeline Ziecker.

By Wendy Osher

A “large short-period north-northeast swell” will produce surf in the 12 to 15 foot range on the north shores, and 8 to 12 foot range along east facing shores, before subsiding later today, officials said.

The National Weather Service issued a high surf advisory for the north and east facing shores of Maui and Molokaʻi through 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, 2013.

The conditions are expected to produce strong braking waves, and strong rip currents, that can make swimming difficult and dangerous.

The agency advises that swimmers, beach goers, and surfers, heed the advice of ocean safety officials.

The advisory states, “Know your limits; When in doubt, do not go out.”

There is also a small craft advisory in effect until 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, due to increased winds of 25 to 30 knots, and rough seas of 9 to 15 feet, according to the NWS.

The advisory includes the Kaiwi Channel between Oʻahu and Molokaʻi; Windward and Leeward Waters around Maui County; Māʻalaea Bay on Maui; the Pailolo Channel between Maui and Molokaʻi; and the ʻAlenuihāhā Channel between Maui and Hawaiʻi Island.

As a precaution, the NWS advises inexperienced mariners, especially those operating small vessels should avoid navigating in these conditions.