December 18, 2018 Surf Forecast
Swell Summary
Outlook through Tuesday December 25: The large incoming northwest swell will rapidly build today, bringing another round of warning level surf to north and west facing shores this afternoon through Wednesday. This swell will steadily decline late Wednesday through the end of the week. Several small northwest swells are expected Friday through the weekend, with a new small to moderate northwest swell possible early next week. Strong north to northeast winds will bring choppy short period surf to east facing shores tonight through Wednesday night. Moderate trade winds will then keep surf slightly elevated along east facing shores Thursday through early next week.
Surf heights are forecast heights of the face, or front, of waves. The surf forecast is based on the significant wave height, the average height of the one third largest waves, at the locations of the largest breakers. Some waves may be more than twice as high as the significant wave height. Expect to encounter rip currents in or near any surf zone.
North
am pm
Surf: Head high NNW extra long period swell for the morning with occasional 1-3′ overhead sets. This builds to double overhead high for the afternoon.
Conditions: Light sideshore texture with E winds 5-10mph in the morning shifting ENE for the afternoon.
South
am pm
Surf: Ankle to knee high S ground swell.
Conditions: Glassy in the morning with W winds less than 5mph. Bumpy/semi bumpy conditions for the afternoon with the winds shifting N 5-10mph.
West
am pm
Surf: Stomach to shoulder high mix of NNW extra long period swell and N ground swell for the morning with occasional head sets. The surf builds from the NNW in the afternoon with sets up to well overhead high.
Conditions: Clean with E winds less than 5mph in the morning shifting NE 5-10mph in the afternoon.
**Click directly on the images below to make them larger. Charts include: Maui County projected winds, tides, swell direction & period and expected wave heights.**
Data Courtesy of NOAA.gov and SwellInfo.com