High Surf Warning Posted for Peahi Size Swell

Bernd Roddiger surfing Pe’ahi 12/7/14 – Image: Sofie Louca of Fish Bowl Diaries

The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Warning for the north facing shores of Maui and the north and west facing shores of Molokai through 6 a.m. Thursday. This warning replaces the advisory that was previously in effect in those areas.

Warning level surf is expected through Wednesday night and even into Thursday morning. Most spots will be closing out under these conditions. Wave heights of up to 35 foot faces (or more) at outer reef breaks that refract well like at Pe’ahi (Jaws) are expected at the peak of the swell. At Kalaupapa wave heights up to 25 feet are expected. The swell is expected to peak on Maui and Molokai in the afternoon.

The National Weather Service wants to remind the public that waves this big can occasionally sweep across portions of beaches. Breaking waves may also impact harbors making navigating the harbor channel difficult and dangerous. Very strong breaking waves, significant shore break and dangerous longshore and rip currents are expected.

Conditions like these are life-threatening and all beachgoers are advised to listen to ocean safety personnel. If you are inexperienced in the water, refrain from entering the ocean.