South Swell to Bring 5-8′ Surf to Maui County

Mākena, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

An above normal swell originating from a storm in the South Pacific is making its way toward the islands, with advisory level surf forecast along the south facing shores of Maui county today, according to the National Weather Service.

The agency issued a high surf advisory for the affected shorelines until 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22, saying the swell will generate localized beach erosion and rip currents.

According to the NWS forecast, surf is expected to be in the 5 to 8 foot range (height of the face of the front of the waves) today, and ease below advisory levels by late this afternoon.

As a precaution, the agency advises beach goers to exercise caution due to strong breaking waves and longshore rip currents can make swimming difficult and dangerous.

North Pacific Sea Height wave model