WARNING: 40 to 50 Foot Surf Expected Along North Shores

Honolua Bay. Shaped over years of swell directed by Molokai. Photo: Carlos Rock.

By Wendy Osher

A high surf warning is in effect for the north and west facing shores of Molokaʻi, Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, and Oʻahu; the north facing shores of Maui; and the west facing shores of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, from midnight tonight to 6 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, 2014.

The National Weather Service issued the warning, with the forecast calling for surf to be in the 40 to 50 foot range along the north facing shores of affected islands; 20 to 30 feet along the west facing shores of Oʻahu and Molokaʻi; and 12 to 18 feet along the west facing shores of Hawaiʻi Island.

According to the NWS forecast, the conditions will produce giant breaking surf, a very large shore-break, dangerous currents, and extremely hazardous conditions.

Forecasters say the surf is expected to make its way down the Hawaiian island chain starting on Niʻihau and Kauai tonight, then to Oʻahu by sunrise on Wednesday, and to Maui and Molokaʻi by mid morning on Wednesday.

On Monday afternoon, organizers of the Quicksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau big wave surf competition said the event would not run on Wednesday due to strong and adverse winds. The holding period for the event runs through Feb. 28, 2014.