Warning Level Surf Building Off Maui, Molokaʻi

File photo by Madeline Ziecker.

A large, long-period northwest swell could carry 12 to 18 foot waves to the north and west-facing shores of Molokaʻi, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, and Niʻihau, as well as Mauiʻs north shore this evening, the National Weather Service advised.

NWS officials expect the advisory to extend until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, and predict an even larger swell to form that night, pushing surf to warning levels.

“Expect strong breaking waves, shore break, and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult and dangerous,” a NWS announcement read.

“Boaters should expect recreational surfers and body boarders utilizing harbor channels to access surfing areas.”

Beachgoers and surfers are urged to heed the advice of ocean safety officials and exercise caution.