Swells From Ana Bring Surf to Maui Shores

Māʻalaea Harbor. Photo by Kurtis N Kamaile.

By Wendy Osher

Elevated surf continues to impact Maui County as large waves from Hurricane Ana roll in to exposed shores.

The National Weather Service expanded the high surf advisory for affected shorelines until 6 a.m.on Monday, Oct. 20, 2014.

The advisory includes high surf for the:

• Molokaʻi: north shore 10-15 feet, south shore 6-10 feet, and west shore 8-12 feet;
• Maui: north shore 10-15 feet and south shore 6-10 feet;
• Lānaʻi: south shore 6-10 feet; and
• Kahoʻolawe: south shore 6-10 feet.

In addition to the impacts from Ana, forecasters with the National Weather Service say a northwest swell spreading across the island chain will affect coastlines along both Molokaʻi and Maui.

Forecasters with the NWS advise the public to expect strong, breaking waves, dangerous shore break, and strong long-shore rip currents that will make swimming difficult and dangerous.

The agency issued an advisory this morning to alert beach goers, swimmers and surfers of the conditions, indicating that they should “heed all advice given by ocean safety officials and exercise caution.”

Māʻalaea Bay Photo: Melissa Kreutner